Job Description

Job Details

Working Title: Curator of Birds

Job Class: Zoo Supervisor

Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID : 82347
• Location : Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible : No
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 12/09/2024
• Closing Date : 12/23/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-MMA
• Division/Unit : Biological Programs / Animal Care
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift; hours to be determined upon hire
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday, may include weekends; five 8-hour shifts
• Travel Required : No
• Salary Range: $32.33 - $46.91 / hourly; $67,505 - $97,948 / annually
• Job Class Option : Birds
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This position provides leadership to the Animal Care staff of the Bird Department at the Minnesota Zoo in support of the Zoo’s mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The incumbent curates a diverse collection of animals, supervises all aspects of daily operations, and ensures the highest quality professional care, training, and wellbeing for the collection. The position obtains and manages the resources needed to support all trail programs.

This position is a member of the Animal Care leadership team and collaborates with other Zoo departments. They contribute to initiatives of the CHCB team (Care, Health, Conservation and Behavior) as it relates to the Zoo’s strategic priorities in animal care and education.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Exercise supervisory authority while developing, directing, and managing the Bird Department’s personnel so that required staffing resources are available and strategically invested and department policies are developed and implemented that most effectively support the Minnesota Zoo’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Provide industry-leading animal husbandry and welfare to departmental animal collection.
• Lead efforts to develop innovative new, and improve current, interpretation of animals in the Bird Department so that Minnesota Zoo visitors and others receive educational and entertaining presentations featuring mission driven information.
• Deliver and maintain industry-leading, engaging, animal displays which meet and exceed industry welfare standards.
• Serve as a key member of the Animal Care supervisory team ensuring development and accomplishment of the Minnesota Zoo’s mission, strategic priorities, conservation plan, education plan, nature plan and master plan.

Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Minimum Qualifications

• Seven (7) years animal care experience in an AZA or equivalent organization
• Three (3) years of supervisory or team lead experience in an AZA or equivalent organization sufficient to provide leadership to staff and ensure the care and wellbeing of animals
• Expertise in animal welfare, care, and sustainable population management
• Supervisory skills sufficient to strategically plan, develop, communicate, and implement animal management philosophy, goals and objectives; mentor, lead and hold staff accountable; and develop and administer budgets for a mid-sized organization
• Well-developed human relationship skills sufficient to lead, motivate, mentor, educate and supervise staff and respond with sensitivity to their varied needs
• Communication skills sufficient to convey complex biological and scientific concepts to diverse and varied audiences and bring staff and the public to action to support an initiative or program
• Computer skills using business and animal management software applications, such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, ZIMS, etc., sufficient to create, enter, edit, save, and retrieve memos, data, reports, presentations, or other documents
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to work with culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities and/or organizations sufficient to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity
• Demonstrated ability to manage disagreement, defuse conflicts, and reach constructive solutions while maintaining positive relationships
• Ability to act as an official professional representative and promote the philosophy and mission of the Zoo at public speaking events to local, state, and national audiences
• Valid driver’s license and valid and current passport (or ability to obtain)
• Current CPR/1st Aid certifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, conservation biology, ecology, environmental science or other related discipline
• Advanced degree in related field
• Experience working with and leading others working with carnivores
• Work experience with regional, national, and international conservation initiatives
• Experience with animal research and conservation projects, including experience publishing results in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in participation or lead work in an AZA management program (TAGs, SSPs, studbook, etc.)
• Experience working with State government
• Experience working in a union environment
• Fluent in a second language, such as Spanish, Hmong, ASL, etc.

Physical Requirements

• Current rabies vaccination and negative TB or ability to become Rabies vaccinated and complete a negative TB test within the probationary period and complete ongoing Rabies titer testing. The MN Zoo will cover the cost of your vaccines if you schedule your appointment through our occupational health clinic, upon hire.
• Ability to work all days of the week and all shifts, as needed
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach upward, twist and have good lateral movement
• Ability to perform large amount of walking and walk up and down stairs
• Ability to perform tasks requiring heavy use of arms, wrists, and exertion of upper body, arms, and hands to perform duties
• Ability to work outdoors year-round sometimes on uneven terrain and under all weather conditions
• Ability to operate a computer, including viewing a screen and typing on a keyboard, for up to 8 hours/day
• Ability to work with potentially dangerous exotic and domestic animals with potential zoonotic diseases
• Ability to work with and provide direction to others working with carnivores.
• Ability to work with potentially dangerous controlled substances for use in animal immobilizations which can be life-threatening to humans
• Ability to obtain vaccinations that may be required to conduct international work
• Ability to travel by plane for up to 15 hours per flight, with multiple flights potentially separated by layovers

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check including fingerprinting
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to

State of Minnesota is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Veteran’s Preference:

In order to be considered an eligible candidate for Veteran's Preference, you must meet all Minimum Qualifications listed in the posting and upload a valid DD-214 form with your application materials.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kay Grunseth at kay.grunseth@state.mn.us or 651-539-6624.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kay Grunseth at kay.grunseth@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife . Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Local area, Remote job, Outdoor, Work visa, Shift work, Day shift, Monday to Friday, All shifts,

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