Zoo Director

Zoo Director

This position will lead, direct, manage, plan, organize, integrate and coordinate the day to day operations of the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. This position will ensure Department, Division and Park/Zoo policy, goals and objectives are met through the supervision of staff specialists. Position will be responsible for the many park programs which include: public land use and management, administration, budget and finance, human resources, husbandry and veterinary care of zoological collection, development and care of botanical assets, building and facility maintenance, equipment and tool maintenance, interpretation/education programs, volunteers, marketing and public relations, while following policy, procedures and regulations established by the applicable federal and state government agencies as well as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Provide effective supervision to assigned personnel. Maintain all Employee evaluations, ensure time is reported accurately and on time. Establish and maintain work schedules. Oversee the Regional Interpreter's management of the Volunteer program. Manage all park operations and programs. Implement and follow fiscal year budgets as directed. Maintain all park facilities to USDA and AZA standards. Interact with and coordinate Park support groups.

Must obtain a State of New Mexico Driver's License and complete Defensive Driving Certification within six months from the date of hire.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in any field of study from an accredited college or university and six (6) years of experience in parks, monuments, museums, interpretive/educational ranger, field archaeologist, or ruins preservationist at a historic site. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling ten (10) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Working Conditions

This position is primarily administrative, but at times it can be labor intensive due to the needs of the zoo/park. Physical requirements include: sitting, walking, standing, bending, twisting, squatting, kneeling, reaching, repeated hand/arm/finger motion, climbing, driving, typing, manual and finger dexterity, lifting up to 50 pounds, pushing or pulling up to 90 pounds, carrying up to 50 pounds. The use of various hand and power tools is required on occasion.

Requires working inside and outside, occasionally in adverse weather conditions, extreme cold or heat, for extended periods of time. Due to nature of zoo/park work, there is a risk of injury, animal or insect bites, and exposure to infection, dust, allergens, chemicals and petroleum products. Ability to see at a distance and close-up, see colors and having good depth perception is essential.

Ability to hear in quiet and noisy environments, as well as telling where a sound is coming from is essential. Ability to communicate through speech is essential. Shift work is required on weekends, holidays and during events held at the park. Emergency situations may arise requiring extended hours of work or return to work after normal hours. Sitting at a desk or computer workstation is essential.