Zoo Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Stockton, California, United States

This examination is being given to fill 1 vacancy in the Parks and Recreation Department and to establish an eligible list to fill future vacancies. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline.

NOTE: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail.

Pre-Employment Background, DOJ Live Scan and Drug Screen: Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a DOJ Live Scan, a pre‑employment background investigation and a pre‑employment drug screen as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible has successfully completed the DOJ Live Scan, background process and passed the drug screen. The County pays for the initial drug screen.

• Supervises zoo and nature center staff involved in daily operation of the facilities, animal care, maintenance, educational and interpretive programming, and volunteer coordination, including non-County funded staff; selects, assigns, trains, and evaluates the work of staff performing the daily operations and maintenance of the zoo.
• Coordinates planning and development to ensure that facilities meet or exceed industry standards and that operations are in compliance with applicable rules, regulations and laws, including animal care, management, health and safety, public safety, visitor services, and zoo facility security; recommends and implements policies and procedures.
• Establishes and maintains professional and regulatory agency relationships or affiliations to ensure appropriate professional and operating standards, identify industry trends, and assess development methods applicable to modern zoological facilities.
• Develops and implements fund‑raising, promotions, marketing, public relations, and community support activities; speaks before clubs, organizations, businesses and individuals to promote support for the zoo; serves as liaison to community organizations, businesses, agencies, and the public to promote involvement and support, and to resolve problems and complaints; promotes development of and assists the Zoological Society, and provides advice and support.
• Evaluates zoo and nature center needs and identifies goals; plans new facilities, upgrades, and exhibits for zoo and nature center; develops and implements interpretive programs.
• Prepares, implements, and monitors budgets; approves expenditures.
• Gathers, organizes and analyzes information; prepares reports and recommendation; prepares correspondence; monitors contracts and grants.

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major course work in zoology, wildlife biology, animal science, zoo management, or a related field.
• Experience: Four years’ experience in zoo operations or a closely related field, two years of which were at a supervisory level.

Principles and practices of supervision; management techniques, including planning, budgeting and training; basic computer and modern office automation technology, including pertinent software; zoo management practices, procedures and protocols; a thorough understanding of the needs and habits of the different types of animals in a zoological collection; zoological park operations, including the development of practices and protocols; animal care and management practices; laws and standards relative to care and exhibition of exotic animals and zoo operations; public relations and marketing principles and practices; zoo exhibit and facility design and development; interpretive program development and techniques; U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) guidelines for zoos.

Plan, assign and direct staff, volunteers and others; work effectively with the public; read, understand and interpret contracts, agreements, and technical information; manage a diverse workforce of skilled and semi‑skilled staff; develop and manage budgets; gather and analyze data; prepare and present reports; respond effectively to changing priorities and challenges; plan and design interesting zoological exhibits and educational tours; speak in public and make public presentations; interpret and apply pertinent rules, laws, and regulations; work effectively with professional and regulatory organizations; operate computers and related software; interact with a wide variety of ages and interests; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of officials, County staff, and the general public.

Mobility – Operation of a data entry device, sitting, frequent walking and standing, pushing/pulling, bending, driving; Lifting – frequently 5–50 pounds or less; Vision – good overall vision, color perception, depth perception; reading and close‑up work; normal hand and eye coordination; good field of vision/peripheral; Dexterity – normal dexterity and repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking – frequent hearing and talking on the telephone/radio and in person; Special Requirements – working weekends; may require evening or weekend work; Emotional/psychological – frequent public contact and decision making; frequent concentration; occasional exposure to dangerous situations, including trauma, grief and death; working alone; Environmental – frequent exposure to noise, cold/heat, hazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, and varied weather conditions.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. San Joaquin County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Eligible veterans, unmarried widows and widowers of veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have been honorably discharged and who have served during wartime shall be given veteran’s points in initial appointment to County service. Eligible veterans receive 5 points and eligible disabled veterans receive 10 points. Disabled veterans must submit a recent award letter stating a 10% service connected disability issued by the United States Veterans Administration.

• Health Insurance: The County provides a comprehensive benefits package with options for three medical plans: Kaiser, Select, and Premier. Employees pay a portion of the premium; dependent coverage is available.
• Dental Insurance: Employees have a choice of two dental plans: Delta Dental and United Health Care‑Select Managed Care Direct Compensation Plan. There is no cost for employee‑only coverage; dependent coverage is available at employee expense.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP). There is no cost for employee‑only coverage; dependent coverage is available at employee expense.
• Life Insurance: Eligible employees receive life insurance coverage as follows: 1–3 years of service: $1,000; 3–5 years: $3,000; 5–10 years: $5,000; 10+ years: $10,000. Employees may purchase additional term life insurance up to $200,000 at the group rate. Regular employees receive supplemental life insurance up to $75,000.
• Flexible Benefits Plan: Voluntary program allowing use of pre‑tax dollars for health‑related expenses not covered by primary plans.
• Retirement Plan: Employees are covered by the County Retirement Act of 1937. Additional information is available from SJCERA.
• Deferred Compensation: Employees may contribute up to $22,500 annually (or 100% of includible compensation) to the Section 457 plan; those 50+ may contribute up to $30,000.
• Vacation: Earned vacation: 10 days per year for up to 3 years; 15 days after 3 years; 20 days after 10 years; 23 days after 20 years.
• Holiday: 10 or 14 holidays per year based on hire date.
• Administrative Leave: 10 days of administrative leave per fiscal year for eligible salaried employees.
• Sick Leave: 12 working days per year with unlimited accumulation.
• Bereavement Leave: 3 days for immediate family member death; 2 additional days for spouse, domestic partner, parent or child death.
• Merit Salary Increase: Merit increase after 52 weeks on each salary step.
• Educational Reimbursement: Up to $850 per fiscal year for career‑related coursework; up to $1,600 per year for approved college/university programs.
• Parking Supplemental: Up to $20 per pay period for downtown Stockton parking.
• School Activities: Up to 40 hours per year for employee child’s school activities.