Job Description

Collection Manager, Mammals

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is seeking an exceptional candidate for the Collections Manager position at the Bronx Zoo (BZ). The successful candidate must have a very strong background in animal management and be capable of managing a diverse mammal collection and leading a large staff. The Collections Manager will work very closely with the mammal curators to provide the highest standard of care and management for the collection with a focus on small mammals and primates, while also having oversight over a variety of other taxa (e.g., ungulates, carnivores, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates) that are exhibited in large multi-taxa exhibits. The candidate will be responsible for upholding and maintaining the WCS tradition of excellence in animal care and husbandry, exhibitor, and guest experience; interfacing with appropriate WCS departments and divisions as required; and participating in AZA conservation programs. This individual will also be responsible for promoting the mission of WCS and assisting the curator with all aspects of the daily operation of BZ's Mammal Department.

The successful candidate will assist the mammal curators in linking BZ's animal collection with the WCS Integrated Collection Plan, and have involvement in overseeing department animal record keeping, collection census, and preparation and submission of reports. The Collections Manager will also assist the curators in the initiating, administering, and reviewing of all protocols for animal care and keeper safety, including conducting and reviewing animal emergency response protocols and overseeing and supervising the various needs of the animal collection. This person will also work closely with staff in various WCS departments and divisions (e.g., veterinary, operations, human resources, business services, education, public relations, etc.) to facilitate the operation of the Mammal Department, and serve as a standing member of the WCS Animal Management Committee and other internal and external committees as appropriate.

Principal Responsibilities

• Responsible for the supervision, care, and maintenance of the Mammal Department animal collection.
• Assist the curators with animal acquisitions and dispositions, overseeing the handling, transport and preparation of animals for shipment between facilities and to/from airports.
• Provide the curators with input into the WCS Integrated Collection Plan, animal record keeping, collection census, and preparation and submission of reports.
• Assist the curators in the initiation, administration, and review of protocols for animal care and keeper safety, including conducting and reviewing animal emergency and safety protocols.
• Oversee the operations in animal-related sections of the zoo, including the immediate supervision of the activities of the department supervisors.
• Assist in the oversight and supervision of the various needs of the animal collection: review animal diets annually and as needed, conduct animal welfare assessments, evaluate animal areas and maintain the upkeep of exhibit and holding areas.
• Coordinate with the Veterinary Department to ensure optimal animal health care for the mammal collection; assist veterinarians with medical procedures, examinations and treatments as necessary; and pre-shipment requirements.
• Assist in the supervision of the maintenance and construction of exhibits, exhibit enhancements, and/or exhibit repairs.
• Prepare and submit installation reports, husbandry reports, and animal censuses.
• Conduct or assist in breeding programs for the BZ and other collaborative programs within WCS. Represent this work through presentations at meetings and annual conferences.
• Conduct or assist in current or future research projects as it relates to the BZ collection.
• Under the direction of the Director of Animal Programs, manage the operations of the department in the absence of the mammal curators.
• Represent the Department and/or WCS at professional meetings, conferences or in the media as requested by management.
• Assume and perform similar duties at regular and irregular hours as required.
• Perform related tasks and duties as required.
• Support WCS' DEI programs and uphold the institutions professional Code of Conduct.

Qualification Requirements

• Must possess a degree in zoological or biological sciences or other related discipline.
• Must have a minimum of seven years of work experience in managing animals and staff in a zoological park or related institution.
• Demonstrate interest and expertise in the management of a diverse selection of mammal species with extensive experience working with small mammals and primates.
• Demonstrate leadership in all areas of animal management, staff development, and inter-departmental collaboration.
• Must have proficiency with computers, animal management programs, and excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Must have or obtain a valid, current drivers license.
• Previous involvement in AZA conservation programs is preferential.

Physical Requirements

• The position requires outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools (e.g. drill, wire cutters, computer keyboard) and operate equipment (e.g. food processors, scales, life support systems).
• Some tasks require climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, evenings and special events as the schedule demands.

Requested Application Documents (Serious Inquires Only): Please note to be considered, you'll need to provide the following documents with your application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer: WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person's membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS's employment policies. Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate's individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.

Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000

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