Assistant Director of Carnivore/Ungulate

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Philadelphia Zoo

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Assistant Director of Carnivore/Ungulate

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General Description

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The Assistant Director of Carnivores and Ungulates provides hands-on leadership and operational support for the Zoo's carnivore and ungulate collection. Reporting to the Director of Carnivores and Ungulates, this position oversees a team of Animal Care Specialists, ensuring excellence in animal husbandry, welfare practices, and guest engagement. The Assistant Director fosters a culture of safety, collaboration, and professional growth, supporting daily operations while driving innovation and accountability. Through effective team leadership and commitment to animal well-being, this role helps advance the Zoo's mission of exceptional animal care, conservation, and education.

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Essential Job Functions

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Reasonable Accommodations Statement: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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• Directly supervises specialist staff, providing coaching, mentoring, and formal evaluations.

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• Oversee daily animal husbandry, enrichment, welfare, training, and exhibit maintenance in accordance with AZA and USDA standards.

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• Along with specialists, conducts welfare assessments, monitors animal health and behavior, and ensures accurate recordkeeping.

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• Supports the development and implementation of animal collection plans, breeding programs, and transfers.

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• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and commitment to adhering to established standard operating procedures, policies, and the employee handbook

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• Supports the development, updating and implementation of SOP's and policies to improve operational efficiency and compliance

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• Collaborates with Animal Health and Nutrition to create individualized health and diet plans.

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• Schedules and coordinates keeper assignments to ensure smooth daily operations.

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• Serves as the first point of contact for keeper staff, fostering open communication and a positive team environment.

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• Ensures that animal facilities are clean, safe, and well-maintained; directs routine and emergency repairs.

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• Oversee ordering, inventory, and maintenance of equipment and supplies.

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• Contributes to exhibit design, facility renovation, and improvement planning.

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• Serves as a trained member of the animal recapture team; upholds safety protocols for staff and guests.

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• Along with the Director of Behavioral Husbandry, develops and coordinates behavioral husbandry programs to promote animal welfare and natural behaviors.

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• Provides staff training in behavioral husbandry techniques and emerging best practices.

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• Participates in public education programs, presentations, and training demonstrations.

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• Works with other departments to ensure accurate exhibit signage and engaging guest experiences.

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• Supports AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP) participation, regional and international program involvement, and conservation initiatives.

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• Serves as a contributing member of the Animal Management Team (AMT).

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• Will participate in ex situ and/or in situ conservation initiatives. Examples include but are not limited to public education, marketing, research projects, SSPs, SAFE, TAGs, etc. Represents the Zoo in professional forums and collaborative projects.

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Culture & Team Development

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• Drives a high-performance, values-aligned culture that centers on animal wellbeing, safety, communication, and shared accountability.

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• Demonstrates empathy, patience, and awareness when navigating complex team dynamics or responding to staff concerns.

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• Identifies and addresses cultural drift; promotes psychological safety and collaborative decision-making across animal teams.

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• Mentors staff through coaching and developmental planning.

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• Models the Zoo's values by fostering inclusivity, innovation, and continuous learning within and across departments.

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• Ability to clearly and respectfully communicate across all levels of the organization-from frontline staff to executive leadership.

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• Skilled in active listening, asking thoughtful questions, and incorporating diverse perspectives into decision-making.

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• Foster trust and strong working relationships with colleagues and cross-departmental partners to promote shared ownership and consistent implementation of best practices.

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• Balances long-term vision with present-day team needs.

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Knowledge, Skills and Ability Requirements:

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• Effective organizational skills and two-way communication skills;

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• Ability to collaborate and work within a team;

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• Effective communicator with the ability to train and mentor staff;

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• Strong knowledge of carnivore and ungulate management, welfare, and behavioral husbandry; familiarity with additional taxa preferred;

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• Proficiency in scheduling, recordkeeping, and reporting systems;

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• Ability to work independently.

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• Ability to prioritize, make decisions and problem solve;

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• Ability to give and receive feedback;

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• Willingness to continuous learn and participate in professional development opportunities

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• High emotional intelligence

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• Can work both independently and in a team, ability to effectively present information and answer questions;

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• Ability to remain curious or seek appropriate ways to solve problems; unquestionable integrity

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Working Conditions, Physical, Medical & Additional Requirements

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• No allergies related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work.

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• Successful completion of a medical screening with emphasis on cardiovascular, respiratory and skeletal systems and drug test prior to starting work.

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• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

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• Ability to remain on feet for extended periods, climb stairs, bend and stoop.

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• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance or agility of movement that might interfere with the ability to work.

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• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

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• Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases.)

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• The ability to be trained to use firearms and act as a member of the Animal Escape Team.

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• Engages in professional development as part of a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the Zoo's mission of growth and leadership in animal care and conservation.

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EEO Statement: The Philadelphia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics like race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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Salary

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78000

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How to Apply

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Please follow this link to submit an application: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=3a170fe7-028b-4495-833f-df518cfad772&ccId=81367185_1790&type=JS&lang=en_US

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Philadelphia Zoo

3400 W Girard Ave

Philadelphia , PA 19104

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