Organization: Wildlife Conservation Society (AZA Member)
Location: Bronx, New York, New York, United States
Job or Internship: Job
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is seeking an exceptional candidate to serve as the Director of City Zoos
(Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and Queens Zoo in New York City). This individual will be responsible for promoting the mission of WCS, directing the operations of the Central Park Zoo in the areas of animal management,operations and maintenance, security and horticulture, and overseeing the efficient operations of the Prospect Park and Queens Zoos. The Director will be responsible for upholding and maintaining the WCS tradition of excellence in animal care and husbandry, exhibitry, and guest experience; interfacing with all WCS departments and divisions as the chief representative and advocate for the City Zoos; serving as the primary information source for public relations and other City Zoos’ media exposure; and for being the principal WCS representative with the New York City Parks Department regarding all aspects of operation of the three City Zoos. The Director will also represent the City Zoos together with the Human Resources department on all union negotiations.
This person will work under the direction of WCS’s Executive Vice President and General Director, Zoos & Aquarium to oversee a comprehensive management program for the City Zoos. S(he) will supervise and provide guidance and advice to the Directors of the Prospect Park and Queens Zoos on personnel management, animal care, collection
planning, park operations, operating and capital budgets, staffing and related topics, including instituting effective communications processes, regular meetings and regular site visits to each facility. The Director will also work with
the General Curator & Associate Director, Bronx Zoo to meld the City Zoos’ animal collections into the WCS integrated collection plan, and be responsible for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of the animal collections throughout the City Zoos.
The Director of City Zoos will be an integral
member of the WCS Zoos & Aquarium (Z&A)
executive management team, working closely
with the EVP and General Director on long
range planning, programmatic growth and
development of the division. This person
will play a critical role in the integration of
Z&A programs and activities with WCS’s
Global Conservation division to design
and carry out joint conservation initiatives.
The Director will serve as a standing
member of the WCS Animal Management
Committee, the WCS Safety Committee,
and other internal and external boards and
committees as appropriate or appointed by
the EVP and General Director.
Candidates should have the following qualifications and skills:
• Minimum of seven years experience in upper level management
at an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium
• Ability to develop and implement programmatic elements
in science, education and conservation to serve the WCS
conservation mission
• Outstanding communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage a diverse staff
• Excellent team and consensus building skills; outstanding
interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide variety of
people at all levels
• Excellent judgment and strong decision making skills
• Experience working with government entities and
officials at a local level
• A history of publication in the field of science preferred
• Public relations and /or marketing experience a plus
• B.S. and/or Masters degree in the field of science;
Ph.D. preferred
Please visit http://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers/nyc-full-time.aspx for a complete job description and instructions on how to apply online.
Full job description details-see the April Edition of Connect.