Animal Collection Manager
Full time @Zoofari Parks Shortlist Email JobJob Detail
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Job ID 10168
Job Description
JOB: Corporate Animal Collection Manager
Organization: Zoofari Parks LLC (Virginia Safari Park, Gulf Breeze Zoo, Alabama Safari Park, Texas Zoofari Park)
Location: Corporate Base @ Gulf Breeze Zoo, FL
Date: May 2025
Job Description: Corporate Animal Collection Manager
Oversight of the animal collection at our four parks, with the possibility of additional parks added in ensuing years. Emphasis is on oversight of nutrition, management and vet care services, but encompasses general animal care and husbandry oversight of the corporate collection.
Working with both private and public facilities, this position will be tasked with ensuring a well-managed corporate animal collection, including breeding programs with a vision for future growth. Works with, and reports directly to, the CEO and COO in a senior level management position.
This position works in conjunction with the Corporate Registrar and company veterinarians.
Responsibilities will include:
- Oversight of a dynamic animal collection numbering between 4,000 – 5,000 specimens at all facilities via on-site visits and contact with General Curators of the facilities.
- Ensuring a vibrant and ever-growing collection; one that serves the purposes of our collection and conservation management vision coupled with our attractions-based business model.
- Implementing and enacting the various breeding programs companywide.
- Training park staff as needed to ensure best practices in animal care and for governmental regulatory oversight.
- Scheduling and implementing planned animal transfers between the parks
- Working with our facility General Curators in conjunction with senior facility staff.
- Managing herds, including setting & tracking breeding schedules in conjunction with GCs and company policies and direction.
- Following up on breeding recommendations with facility staff
- Acquisition and surplus management via monthly correspondence with public and private facilities nationwide/internationally as required.
- Capture and handling of collection knowledge
- Oversight and input on nutrition and veterinary care practices, in conjunction with veterinary staff and GCs.
Requirements:
- A degree in animal science or related field of study or extensive experience.
- 10+ years working full-time in a zoological setting with a proven record of advancement.
- Positive and professional demeanor, conduct and appearance.
- A broad range of professional contacts within the zoo community, including both main zoo organizations as well as private collections.
- A working, and hands-on, knowledge of hand-rearing a variety of species and the ability to train staff.
- Knowledge of animal conformation, body conditions and general overall health.
- Knowledge and ideas on how to make enclosures and/or handling facilities better.
- Ability and interest in improving and changing the collections via contact with other zoos and breeders, i.e. must have contacts and be in contact.
- Previous collection management experience, either at exhibit, zone or species level.
- Experience with a wide variety of animals, preferably mammals, birds and reptiles.
- Ability to work with staff members at our various parks forming a cohesive working unit.
- Working knowledge of ZIMS / Species 360. [Registrar]
- Bonus: Although not necessary, the ability to transport collection specimens from park-to-park as/if needed using company equipment is helpful. We keep professional grade equipment for all animal transport on hand and located at each facility. We are equipped to transport every species within the collection.
Extras:
- We require a strong work ethic, good physical condition and great mobility.
- This is a “boots-on-the-ground, roll-up-your-sleeves and get things done” position. Armchair mangers need not apply.
- Visually inspecting the collection and working with the staff will be required and essential.
- We have strict personal appearance requirements and maintain a non-smoking work place.
- ***Look at the collection you will be managing (either at zoofariparks.com website or for the individual parks) before applying. It is very diverse and ranges from great apes to small softbills with everything in between. While we do expect some on-the-job training, a broad range of experience coming in to the job will be expected.
Competitive pay scale range. Medical coverage, vacation and sick time, 401k. E-mail resumes to: Admin@zoofariparks.com and place “Corporate Animal Collection Manager Job” in Subject line. Applicants which meet a majority of the stated requirements will receive a follow-up response.