Facility

Santa Barbara

Closing Date

Description

Join our fun and professional team in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation!
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, and is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Andree Clark Bird Refuge and Santa Ynez Mountains. It is home to over 146 species with more than 500 animals exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful team includes up to 210 employees and 500 volunteers.
The Director of Animal Care position is a challenging, rewarding and fulfilling opportunity, and you will grow with the team.

The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of successful leadership, applicable experience and skills. We are seeking a progressive, strategic, and dedicated team player who thrives on being part of a dynamic collaborative team, following the “Good to Great” (Jim Collins) principles. Under general direction of the Zoo Director, the Director of Animal Care is responsible for all aspects of animal collection management and facilitating the day-to-day operational needs of the Animal Care Department.

Essential duties include -but are not limited to: animal collection management, animal care and welfare, animal care documentation, lead in emergency situations, guest and community relations, staff development, operation and business, as well as interacting constructively with all department heads of the management team.

Education and Pre-requisites

A Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, five years of experience in animal management in an AZA accredited zoo, aquarium or closely related facility, successful prior experience in supervision, management and leadership are required. Must have extensive knowledge of animal husbandry and health including an understanding of species and individual specific behavior to assess behavioral and medical situations.

Compensation and benefits

DOE, please submit salary requirement.

Our core values include:
-Integrity
We conduct ourselves and our organization with integrity; we are honest, accountable, and loyal at all times.
-Quality
We commit to quality. We provide the finest animal care and facilities; a safe, fun, easy, and educational experience for our guests; progressive and relevant programs; and a clear vision for our future.
-Respect
We treat others with respect; we are compassionate and considerate in our actions.
-Collaboration
We make better decisions when we work together, including with our partners. We are more productive and satisfied when we know each other and there is great energy when we are all working together to achieve the same goals.
-Have FUN!
We enjoy the people we work with and the environment we work in. It decreases burnout, increases collaboration, and improves employee retention.

Benefits include: Health (HMO/PPO), Dental, Life AD&D, Vision, EAP, Cafeteria Plan/Section 125, Voluntary insurance options, 403(b)/Tax Sheltered Annuity retirement plan, Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP), paid leaves (including Zoo Day and Conservation Day) -and much more…

Application instructions

For a detailed job description, please email hr@sbzoo.org.

Please download Employment Application from http://www.sbzoo.org/more/careers/employment-opportunities/ and send with cover letter, three references and salary requirements to: hr@sbzoo.org, mail to Santa Barbara Zoo, Attn. HR, 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, or fax to 805-962-3056, Attn. Human Resources.