City of San José
ZOO MANAGER (FT) (6358)

CLASS PURPOSE
   Under general direction, plans, directs, coordinates, and supervises Happy Hollow Zoo operations, programs, and construction/maintenance activities. Directs the care of animals and the maintenance of exhibits, facilities, and grounds for zoo. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (The position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Supervises, trains, and evaluates subordinate staff and their work.
• Directs and coordinates the organization, staffing, and operational activities of the zoo including conservation, research, education, and recreation programs.
• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, and priorities of the zoo. Identifies resource needs, and recommends and implements policies and procedures to maintain American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) accreditation.
• Participates in the development and administration of the zoo budget.
• Directs, monitors, and approves zoo expenditures.
• Establishes policy and procedures for maintenance of animal records, transport, and health programs including animal handling, capture, restraint, testing, and medication administration.
• Directs zoo maintenance, improvements, and repairs using zoo and City staff, vendors, and volunteers.
• Plans and coordinates animal acquisition, disposition, and habitat construction/renovation.
• Provides regularly scheduled reports on health and changes in the zoo collection.
• May act as executive director for the South Bay Zoological Society.
• Assists Family Park Manager in attracting community and corporate sponsorships and donations for zoo.
• Provides support and direction for the South Bay Zoological Society, zoo education, and volunteer programs.
• Attends presentations, meetings and seminars to stay abreast of trends and zoological practices.
• Works weekends, evenings, and holidays during all climatic conditions as assigned.

Typical End Results Include
   Ensures the proper care and display of zoo animals; ensures health and safety of the staff and public; ensures proper maintenance of zoo facilities, exhibits and grounds; heightened public awareness and interest in the zoo; a motivated and properly trained zoo staff; maintains the Happy Hollow Zoo’s accreditation with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA); ensures proper cash handling procedures are used.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
   An incumbent in this class is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising all operations for the Happy Hollow Zoo. It differs from the next lower class of Zoo Curator in that incumbents of the latter class perform daily operational activities and are supervised by the Zoo Manager. It differs from the next higher class of Family Park Manager in that incumbents of the latter class manage both an amusement park and zoo with City-wide emphasis, managing contracts and a regional park parking collections program.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the care, nutrition, medical needs, breeding, behavior, and safety precautions required for a wide variety of zoo and domestic animals.
• Knowledge of the maintenance of zoo exhibits and facilities.
• Knowledge of modern zoo safety rules and regulations, program development, and administration.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of management supervision and training.
• Knowledge of municipal budget preparation and control.
• Ability to handle, transport and restraint a wide variety of Zoo and domestic animals.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and implement recommendations.
• Ability to detect illness, injury, and other disorders in exotic species.
• Ability to direct and supervise zoo program and activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, volunteers, and the public.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Competency Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of animal, plant, and equipment care theory and applications.
• Knowledge of pertinent government and other regulations for maintenance of animals in captivity.
• Ability to prepare and present reports, budgets, and graphics using computerized applications.
• Ability to manage and coordinate the work of technical, clerical, and professional personnel.
• Ability to elicit and maintain community and organizational support for zoo programs.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and associated software programs including spreadsheets and database relating to zoo programs.
• Ability to interpret and apply administrative, departmental, and regulatory policies, procedures, and regulations.

Education
   Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Zoology or a related field.

Experience
   Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience managing and supervising an institution or facility responsible for the care of zoo animals and public exhibits of diverse and exotic animals, including two years of experience at the level of Zoo Curator.

Acceptable Substitutions
   Completion of two years of course work from an accredited college or university and five years increasingly responsible experience managing and supervising the care of zoo animals. There is no substitution for the required Zoo Curator experience.

Licenses/Certificates
   Possession of a valid State of California driver’s license may be required.

(New 6/98)
6358s000.doc