Senior Director of Zoological Operations

Al Ain Zoo; Al Ain; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoological institution in the UAE seeks a senior management role focused on leadership and administration of all zoological departments, ensuring animal health, welfare, and conservation. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in biology, 10+ years of managerial experience, and comprehensive knowledge of zoo operations. This role emphasizes collaboration, policy development, and innovative problem-solving.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years’ managerial experience in a zoo or living museum setting.
• Participation in EAZA, WAZA, AZA or other professional organizations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for leadership, management, and administration of all zoological departments.
• Oversight of the collection plan including annual updates.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and best practices.

Skills

Comprehensive knowledge of the Zoo’s purpose, brand, and philosophy

Comprehensive knowledge of government regulations pertaining to animal health and welfare

Considerable knowledge of current trends in exhibit design

Strong leadership ability

Well-developed interpersonal skills

Strong presentation skills

Sound administrative skills

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental agencies

Education

Bachelor of Science in biology or related field

Job description

Overview

JOB OVERVIEW Responsible for leadership, management, and administration all zoological departments including animal husbandry, animal health and welfare, conservation and education.

Responsibilities

• Guided by overall budget and departmental objectives, incumbent has the authority to direct the departmental organization and to innovate solutions to further the facility’s purpose and deliver effective programming.
• Responsible for oversight of the collection plan including annual updates.
• Responsible for overseeing compliance with accreditation standards and zoological best practice.
• Responsible for defining the objectives and framework to best ensure effective program delivery and guest satisfaction with a conservation educational focus. Situations develop during the implementation phase of programs that require constructive thinking and, at times, innovative solutions to ensure success.
• Serves as the senior operations manager for the facility’s animal collection assisting in management of departmental operations and activities. Supervises assigned personnel in planning and care of the collection, nutritional and health needs, acquisitions, dispositions, and breeding. Oversees establishment and implementing protocols regarding animal management operations. Reviews and approves departmental budgets and monitors expenditures; assists in preparation and administration of operating and maintenance budget. Participates in designing and approving renovation and new construction. Serves as departmental liaison with other facility departments in coordinating programmatic and special event needs. Oversees all conservation, animal health, research and education activities and departments. Collaborates in developing and implementing facility safety standards and practices for all employees. Serves as Emergency Response Coordinator in event of animal emergency.
• Directs the scheduling, assigning, instructing, guiding, checking, and evaluating of work; arranges for or engages in employee training and development; enforces personnel policies and procedures, standards of conduct, work attendance, and safe work practices; counsels, motivates and maintains harmonious working relationships among subordinates; recommends staffing and employee status changes; monitors recruitment and selection process to ensure consistent practices.
• Directs the development and maintenance of positive interpersonal relationships with staff within and across departmental lines that will promote positive work relationships to accomplish the facility’s purpose, strategic goals, and objectives that will support management initiatives.
• Represents the institution in diverse settings that include active participation in professional, funder, and governmental arenas.
• Participates in the development of institutional and departmental policies and procedures.
• Provides leadership in planning and coordinating all phases of personnel management.

Minimum qualifications, experience and skills

Qualifications: Desirable qualifications for this position include a Bachelor of Science in biology or other scientifically related field or equivalent working experience, knowledge of behavioural enrichment, as well as a broad base knowledge of birds.

Years of Experience: A minimum of 10 years’ managerial experience in a zoo or living museum setting, with increasingly responsible assignments, most recently at a senior level. Participation in EAZA, WAZA, AZA or other professional organizations is desirable. Note: A comparable combination of education, experience, or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills, and ability required may qualify an individual.

Skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the Zoo’s purpose, brand, and philosophy.
• Comprehensive knowledge of government regulations pertaining to animal health and welfare.
• Considerable knowledge of current trends in exhibit design.
• Knowledgeable of the principles of effective communications.
• Knowledgeable of the concepts, practices, and compliance issues of personnel management.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals.
• Sound administrative skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership ability.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental agencies, funders, and the general public.
• Results-oriented.
• Strong analytical and reasoning abilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports, including budgetary, and maintain complex records of a highly specialized nature.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively in oral and written form.

Performance Competencies

• Applying The Farah Way While Managing Yourself
• Create Smiles
• Share What You Know
• Deliver Excellence
• Work as One
• Build Proactive Partnerships

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; you may be required at any time to perform any other duties to meet the needs of the business.