Associate Director of Animal Care

Utah’s Hogle Zoo

How to apply:  https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=8466ea70-0d62-4447-aa78-ae0276dc27bc&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP&lang=en_US

Position posting:

WHY WORK AT UTAH’S HOGLE ZOO?

Are you an animal care professional looking to lead a crew of extremely talented and passionate animal devotees?  Are you looking for a medium size zoo with a family like atmosphere?   Then Utah’s Hogle Zoo may be the place for you. We are looking for people who want to grow with us as we create a rich culture of creative, collaborative, passionate animal care professionals.

Be a part of the Zoo as we build our newest exhibit, Wild Utah! Slated to open in 2023, the exhibit will focus on native Utah species. Join us as we update our master plan with a focus on the renovation of our Small Animal Building, our Elephant Experience, and our Great Ape facilities. Make your contribution to a rich tradition of elevated behavior husbandry, guest engagement, professional development, and top animal welfare. 

At Utah’s Hogle Zoo we look for employees who are passionate about conservation, who approach their daily work with a can-do attitude, who are resourceful, who communicate respectfully with everyone, and who are ready to work hard to support the zoo towards our mission of Creating Champions for Wildlife. If all of this sounds exciting to you, then come and excel with us at Utah’s Hogle Zoo!

For over 90 years, Utah’s Hogle Zoo has been a loved and trusted part of the community. Located within Salt Lake City proper, the Zoo is nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountain range at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. The Zoo spans over 42 acres and is home to a diverse collection of animals. Being only minutes from both a vibrant downtown and national wilderness area, Salt Lake City is a dream for cultural aficionados and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This city has it all from professional sports teams, theater, cultural attractions, universities, nightlife, and many green spaces. From mountain ranges to deserts, Utah is home to five National and 45 State parks. Few places have so much, so close to where you live and work, but we pull it off with style and ease at Utah’s Hogle Zoo.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Associate Director(s) of Animal Care (ADAC) are responsible for the management of the Zoo’s animals. This position collaborates with the Director of Animal Care to develop short-term and long-range animal plans in support of the organization’s mission. The ADAC ensures the sustainability of the Zoo’s animal populations and manages staff in various related activities. The ADAC advances zoo mission through participation in conservation, welfare programs and AZA programs on behalf of Utah’s Hogle Zoo.  This position currently oversees the programs and Animal Care Supervisors in the Pachyderm, Rocky Shores, and Primate areas.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP 

Reports directly to the Director of Animal Care and serves on the Zoo’s leadership team.  

  

 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Oversees safe, proper and humane programs and protocols for all aspects of the animal collection including: sanitation, health, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, behavioral husbandry, exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas.  

2. Assists in developing a records system that documents activities and events with the animal collection and department.  

3. Assists in the preparation of the department’s annual operating and capital budget review and submission; administers and monitors budgets. 

4. Leads the development and review of policies concerning resident animal planning and management. 

5. Plans and coordinates animal acquisitions and deaccessions of the assigned collection in collaboration with the Animal Care
Supervisor(s). 

6. Directs animal loans, trades, sales, and purchases according to the Zoo’s animal plan. 

7. Oversees the coordination of animal shipments into and out of Utah’s Hogle Zoo. 

8. Assures that the operations of the Animal Care Department comply with professional standards and state, federal and international governmental regulations. 

9. Collaborates with the veterinary staff in the medical care of the collection. 

10. Ensures compliance with USDA and USFWS. 

11. Assists in the design and development of new animal exhibits and holding facilities. 

12. Recruits and directly supervises Animal Care Supervisors and oversees all animal care staff, interns and volunteers. 

13. Assists in the development of the Zoo’s animal welfare and behavioral enrichment programs. 

14. Actively participates in AZA animal programs and related organizations. 

15. Represents the department and Utah’s Hogle Zoo at professional meetings, conferences, or in the media. 

16. Participates in a professional network (e.g.,Association of Zoos and Aquariums, IUCN, etc.). 

17. Commitment to the zoo’s mission and conservation efforts. 

18. Ability to work over 40 hours a week as needed and work varied hours and schedules. 

19. Performs other duties as assigned. 

20. Maintains strict confidentiality.  

  

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE 

Education and Experience  

Must possess a degree in zoological or biological science or a combined equivalent of education and experience.  

Five (5) years of experience in a curatorial and/or supervisory capacity managing animals and animal care staff in an AZA facility. A demonstrated interest in the management of a diverse collection of animal species and proven expertise in the management of large carnivores, primates and/or ungulates.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities that are typically associated with the job. It is not all-inclusive and may vary from position to position: 

Required technical skills include the knowledge and ability of:  

• Computer operations and technical software applications. 
• Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Animal management software (ZIMS). 

Required mathematical skills include working knowledge of:  

• Accounting, budgeting, and bookkeeping. 
• Mathematical concepts and logic. 
• Performs basic mathematical formulas and calculations. 

Must possess excellent communications skills:  

• Interpersonal conflict resolution method. 
• Effectively promote organization and services offered. 
• Interpersonal communication. 
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 

Must have the ability to: 

• Demonstrate leadership in all areas of animal management including animal behavior and husbandry practices, staff development, and inter-departmental collaboration. 
• Supervise, train, and motivate a team. 
• Follow written and verbal instructions. 
• Apply critical thinking techniques. 
• Analyze and solve problems. 
• Prioritize work. 
• Perform within deadlines. 
• Ability to stay focused despite interruptions. 
• Deal with stress caused by deadlines. 
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently. 
• Memory for details. 

The incumbent must always demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values of the Hogle Zoo. 

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a drug free workplace. All employees are subject random drug testing.  

Requires a valid driver’s license.    

Work Environment 

Incumbent performs in an outdoor environment, exposure to the seasonal elements, dust, and allergens for prolonged periods of time. Tasks require a variety of
physical activities, which generally involve muscular strain. Eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions. Must be able to listen and
respond to a handheld radio. Ability to stoop, bend, twist, turn, climb, jump, run when necessary, and move quickly to avoid dangerous situations. Must be
able to walk on wet and uneven surfaces. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted and 75 lbs. with assistance. Must be able to push and pull up to 53 lbs. A valid driver’s license is required. Provide a negative TB test prior to hire date and maintain TB testing through course of employment. 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AT THE ZOO 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other supplemental insurance.  
• The Zoo is a part of the Utah Retirement System and makes a 10% contribution to an employee’s retirement. This includes an additional opportunity to make contributions to a 401K plan within URS.  
• Vacation days: New employees accrue up to 13 days annually of vacation time.  
• Sick days: New employees accrue up to 10 days annually of sick time.
• Nine paid holidays in the year. 
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families paid for by the Zoo.  
• Employee long-term disability insurance paid for by the Zoo.  
• Various employee reimbursements and contributions including wellness activities and professional development.
• Moving expense reimbursement for qualifying new employees.  
• Every employee receives a free Zoo Card that allows admission to the employee and up to 5 guests. It also provides free carousel and train rides, as well as free admittance to ZooLights and BooLights.  
• 50% discount on concessions and 33.3% discount on gift shops items.  
• Tickets at Work membership, which provides discounts and offers on theme parks, shows, sporting events, and travel. 
• Awesome coworkers who care about animals and each other! 

For more information regarding the position and/or salary, please contact Human Resources at: 801-584-4510.