Job Postings

Husbandry Manager, Terrestrial

Facility

California Science Center Foundation

Closing Date
November 30, 2017
Description

About Us:

The mission of the California Science Center is to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people’s lives.

The California Science Center is one of the world’s leading science centers devoted to science learning. It is among the most attended museums in North America, with over 2.5 million guests each year for the past two years and is the permanent home of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The California Science Center is currently developing a major expansion, the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. The California Science Center holds prestigious accreditations by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The California Science Center is a department of the State of California (State) and who works in partnership with the not-for-profit California Science Center Foundation (Foundation) to bring our mission to life. Visit us on the web to learn more: californiasciencecenter.org.

Summary:

The Husbandry Manager, Terrestrial, is responsible for the care of all living species and supervision of Senior Keeper, Keepers, and volunteers in the assigned husbandry areas. Daily responsibilities include scheduling and overseeing keeper staff, trouble-shooting and problem-solving, project management, human resources tasks, budgeting, procurement, timekeeping, and other administrative tasks. The Husbandry Manager acts as a positive role model, supporting and developing staff growth and development. Duties may also include daily husbandry (prepping food, feeding, cleaning, medicating, and observing animals), scheduling, as well as coordinating with other departments.

Major Job Responsibilities:
1. Responsible for the husbandry of terrestrial living collections which may include herpetofauna, arthropods, small mammals, and birds.
2. Oversees and implements daily husbandry routines and health assessments including (but not limited to) feeding, behavioral enrichment, record-keeping, training, exhibit maintenance, and design updates to animal enclosures and exhibits.
3. Recommends, develops, and implements policies, protocols, and procedures related to animal collection husbandry.
4. Supervises staff and volunteers as required including special projects and coordination with other staff to ensure best husbandry practices and exhibit aesthetics in all assigned areas.
5. Responsible for supervising, evaluating, counseling and associated documentation for assigned staff and volunteers.
6. Working with the Director of Husbandry, fosters team approach, effective two-way communication, and a collaborative spirit.
7. Lead by example by having a positive attitude, practicing high standards, modeling professional workplace behavior, and creating a supportive team atmosphere.
8. Responsible for administrative duties relating to supervising staff, including scheduling and time-card approval, workers’ compensation paperwork, and training documentation. Participate in the hiring and development of husbandry staff.
9. Responsible for supply inventory and procurement.
10. Responsible for collaborating with the Education Department to develop and implement educational opportunities as they relate to animals in the terrestrial collection.
11. Works in conjunction with the Records and Husbandry Coordinator for animal documentation, inventory, AZA requirements, maintaining daily records, and helping to ensure that staff are following guidelines for record-keeping.
12. Assists in ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and Local agency laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances, and AZA guidelines.
13. Assists in acquiring and safely transferring specimens to and from the California Science Center through organization of trades/loans/purchases with other zoological institutions in line with the Institutional Collection Plan.
14. Assists in reviewing and making recommendations for Institutional Collection Plan.
15. May travel for conferences, industry research, educational opportunities and as assigned.
16. Responsible for caring for living collections in any and all emergency conditions.
17. Assists Husbandry Manager, Aquatics as necessary to promote cohesion and team environment.
18. Practices safety first work habits (animal/staff/volunteers/guest) while maintaining the husbandry of the living collection at the highest level.
19. Contributes to the mission of the California Science Center by stimulating curiosity and inspiring science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences.
20. Performs other duties as required.

Education and Pre-requisites

1. Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, or related field OR equivalent experience.
2. 5+ years experience with 3+ years in a supervisory role in a zoological facility (preferably AZA accredited), with knowledge of husbandry and display of terrestrial animals required.
3. Experience supervising/hiring/disciplining/developing/training of staff and volunteers.
4. Knowledge of modern principles of animal care and welfare, including behavioral enrichment, exhibitry, nutrition, disease, training, and transport.
5. Knowledge of southwestern desert and Caribbean species preferred. Knowledge of southeast Asian species a plus.
6. Demonstrated working knowledge of planning and acquisition of animal specimens. Experience shipping and/or transporting various specimens preferred.
7. Knowledge of safe animal handling practices and maintaining a safe working environment.
8. Must be able to work effectively in varying climates (primarily indoors), including desert temperatures and wet environments.
9. Working knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances as applicable to possessing native and exotic wild animals.
10. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds (occasionally up to 75 pounds), kneel, bend, crouch, squat, and stand for extended periods of time.
11. Excellent computer (MS Office programs such as Excel, Word, and Outlook) and organizational skills. Experience with Tracks record-keeping system highly preferred.
12. Ability to work independently and in a team.
13. Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate, develop, and support staff required.
14. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
15. Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include weekends and holidays.

Compensation and benefits

$53,000 to $58,000 a year. California Science Center Foundation employees receive excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement package; free science center membership, group term life insurance, and 11 paid holidays.

Application instructions

Send Cover Letter, Resume and Salary Target to the HR Dept. via fax at 213-744-2673, email to HR@cscmail.org, or mail to the California Science Center Foundation, H. R. Dept, 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037. No phone calls please. EOE. Cover letter should include how you will contribute to and lead a positive working environment for the terrestrial husbandry team.