Zoo Director

zoOceanarium Group specializes in developing and operating world class aquariums, zoos and nature-based science centers.  We provide services from concept design to managing daily operations and everything in between.  With employees from all over the globe, zoOceanarium Group consists of animal care specialists, animal trainers, veterinarians, design specialists, project managers and operational staff.

zoOceanarium Group is continuing to expand their team and looking to recruit a talented Zoo Director for an exciting zoo project in Ethiopia. You will be responsible for the overall administration and development of the zoo and animal collection. Your responsibilities will include promoting good business practices, while ensuring the highest standard of care for all animals.

Duties:

• Manage the overall operation of the zoo
• Develops and monitors achievement against collection plans that support the zoo’s strategic goals and create an inspiring guest experience.
• Leads development and implementation of animal care program evaluation and collection wellbeing assessments.
• Liaise with all departments to ensure smooth and efficient of the day to day operations and wellbeing of the animals and staff.
• Develop the conservation message and information to enhance peoples understanding and the importance of animal and wildlife conservation along with the Programs Director.
• Market and promote the zoo, locally, nationally and internationally.
• Develops appropriate guidelines to carry out policies and explains the purpose behind policies and programs.
• Develops and implements quality standards; evaluates processes and procedures to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness of sustainable operations.
• Develop and have accountability for the zoo’s annual capital budgets for asset preservation.
• Actively seek and implement cost saving programs in order to provide positive financial results.
• Interact efficiently with all support departments in best interest of the business and financial profitability.
• Proactively seek new revenue streams in order to improve the financial performance of the business.
• Ensure that all activities at the zoo are in full compliance with Health & Safety regulations, zoo licensing, animal welfare, animal and plant management, conservation, environmental protection and staff compliance.
• Manage emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals or company property.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, professional development, daily activities and safe conduct of the zoo staff in all its departments.
• Conduct team member performance appraisals in a timely, fair and constructive manner in order to promote personal and career growth.
• Entertain, engage and empower team members to reduce turnover and increase retention.
• Motivate and inspire team members to perform at their very best through role modeling, providing feedback, rewarding and recognizing, respecting and frequent communication.
• Oversee the on-the-job training program in order to establish the needs of the business.

Benefits:

• Competitive
• Housing stipend.
• Paid time off.
• Health insurance.

Position Requirements:

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree or relevant experience.
• Must have experience managing an animal related attraction.
• Experience managing large multi-cultural operational teams essential.
• Commercially minded and the ability to analyze, understand and anticipate guests’ needs.
• Competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience managing large multicultural teams.
• Exceptional leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience managing departmental budgets.
• Creative problem solver.

Please send a one-page cover letter with your resume to recruitment@zooceanarium.com with the position you are applying for in the subject line.