Bloomington, IL – Zoo Director

Provide overall leadership, strategic direction, operation, and oversite of the Miller Park Zoo including the procurement, care, and exhibiting of all animals. Oversees all Zoo staff and volunteers, including guest services, education, and animal care managers, zoo education programming, grant writing and procurement, an extensive public relations program, and promotes cooperation and support with the Miller Park Zoological Society. Directs Zoo building and grounds maintenance projects and improvements as well as specialized care needed for zoo specimens and animal transactions.

Work is performed with considerable independence, subject to review by reports submitted and through the observation of results achieved to the Director of Parks & Recreation (or designee).

This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Oversees and coordinates the Zoo’s daily operations of: administration, admissions, concessions, public education, buildings, animal care and welfare, collection management, and grounds maintenance.
• In collaboration with the Zoo Animal Care Manager, monitors and ensures the best possible health and well-being of the animal collection for the enjoyment and education of the public in accordance with AZA standards.
• Evaluates and inspects the Miller Park Zoo facility regularly and ensures compliance with staff, on all Federal and State laws, USDA regulations, rules, and AZA accreditation standards pertaining to zoo management and animal care. Monitors zoo inspections and maintains all required permits necessary for the operation of the Zoo.
• Hires, supervises, trains, and monitors the performance of assigned personnel; ensures staff compliance with zoo policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Ensures zoo staff receive all the necessary safety training regarding equipment operations and SOP’s for working with the Zoo animal collection.
• Develops and administers the Zoo’s budget for the City of Bloomington. Authorizes expenditures while making recommendations for future equipment, facility needs, and capital improvements.
• Works with Parks and Recreation department staff, inter-departmentally within the City, and with outside professionals and contractors for the development and implementation of projects in the Zoo; including construction, buildings, grounds maintenance, and master planning.
• Works with the Miller Park Zoological Society. Networks with potential donors and assists with developing an overall strategy for fund raising efforts on behalf of the zoo in partnership with the Miller Park Zoological Society.
• Supervises and participates in Zoo conservation and fundraising activities; secures and administers grant funding. Works with Ewing Zoo Foundation Board of Directors.
• Responds to public inquiries, requests, and complaints regarding zoo related matters.
• Serves as a spokesperson for the Zoo and delivers presentations to community groups and organizations regarding zoo operations.
• Assists with and participates in special events and promotional activities for the Zoo.
• Works with union zookeepers to perform daily duties and with union stewards, as needed.
• Manages 10 full time and approximately 20 seasonal staff with assistance of guest services, education, and animal care managers.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems, in general maintaining a harmonious work environment, subject to the review of the Director of Parks and Recreation.

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related Zoology or Biology fields with specialized courses in zoo administration and zoology
• Considerable experience in managing a zoo facility or related field including supervisory experience
• Graduation from AZA Zoo Management School preferred
• Membership in good standing in AZA
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted

Certificates and Licenses: Driver’s License

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Work is performed in office and field environments. Requires occasionally travel to other locations for meetings. The physical demands on this position may include lifting and manipulation of heavy objects, primarily for demonstration and training, but in most cases physical activity is of an oversight nature. Oversight activities may take place in dusty, moist or humid conditions and in a range of outdoor temperatures.