Assistant Animal Care Manager

**Purpose**:
The Assistant Animal Care Manager is responsible for leading a team that provides day to day care of the animals and facilities as well as supporting the Animal Care Manager with all aspects of management of the animal collection and staff. The responsibilities associated with this position include the overall success of husbandry programs and protocols while ensuring appropriate daily facility maintenance.

**Critical Success Factors**:

- Working knowledge and understanding of the CAZA and ZAA Code of Ethics, CAZA Standards for Accreditation, CAZA Population Management guidelines, and Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General Animal Welfare System.
- Ability to work effectively with mínimal supervision.
- Ability to evaluate and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately.
- Be effective in handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective, efficient and cooperative relationships with employees, senior management, vendors and customers.
- Ability to work well in stressful, high-pressure situations.
- Health and Safety Certification and actively participating on a committee is a plus.

**Overall Expectations**:

- Maintain the highest standards related to the day-to-day operations of the zoo.
- Assist in the training and supervision of animal keepers and volunteer staff and assume the duties of manager as required when the Animal Care Manager is not available.
- Observe general animal health and behavior on a daily basis.
- Perform routine zookeeper duties designated by the Animal Care Manager.
- Develop & oversee zookeeper routines and schedules.
- Facilitate successful behavioral husbandry programs including animal enrichment and conditioning.
- Identify and correct minor or routine maintenance problems and report other maintenance needs to the Animal Care Manager or General Manager.
- Ensure veterinary treatments are carried out as prescribed.
- Instruct new personnel in methods of animal care consistent with policies and procedures, and assist in overall zookeeper training programs.
- Assist in planning new facilities and improving existing ones.
- Develop and present educational programs as required.
- Assist in the composition of technical reports on various aspects of captive animal management and exhibition as needed.
- Participate in the capturing, restraining, and moving of animals.
- Initiate and participate in regular staff meetings to allow mentorship and execution of the company vision.
- Participate in extensive interaction with the public which may include on and off grounds educational and media presentations.
- Ensure individual animal enrichment roles and expectations are being met and implemented by all staff.
- Where deficiencies are noted provide findings and input to the Enrichment Coordinator and Animal Care Manager.
- Assist the Animal Care Manger with the development and implementation of job enrichment goals and strategies for all members of the Animal Care Team.
- Make decisions consistent with Safari Niagara’s policies and procedures.
- Maintain records of the health and behavioral status of animals within the collection.
- Create technical reports on various aspects of captive animal management and exhibition as assigned.
- All other duties as assigned by the Animal Care Manager and the Executive Team.

**Qualifications**:

- Degree in Biology or a related field or equivalent experience.
- Minimum four years of animal husbandry experience in a CAZA - accredited zoological park or equivalent.
- Minimum two years of supervisory experience, at least one of which in a CAZA-accredited zoological park or equivalent.
- Advanced knowledge in nutrition.

**Reporting Relationships**:
The position Assistant Animal Care Manager reports directly to the Animal Care Manager.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $25.00-$30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 - 44 per week

**Benefits**:

- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Schedule:

- 10 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed

**Experience**:

- Veterinary Assistant: 1 year (preferred)
- Front desk: 1 year (preferred)
- Customer service: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person