About this role
Department: Zoo
Job ID: 13386
Pay: $60,673.00 annual
Work Schedule:
Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits .
The Animal Wellbeing and Behavioral Husbandry Coordinator oversees welfare assessment and applied behavioral management for the animal populations. This person is responsible for the implementation of the Zoo’s welfare assessment program. This person is also responsible for the behavior modification program by coordinating enrichment and positive reinforcement training (PRT). This person collaborates with other animal professionals and participates in appropriate programs to ensure the Zoo reaches its goals with regards to excellence in animal welfare. This person interacts regularly with other zoo departments and assists them in achieving their goals.
Coordinate and Facilitate Animal Wellbeing Assessment Processes
- Assists the animal care staff (zookeepers, zoological managers, curators, and vets) to problem-solve potential wellbeing concerns by using established procedures. Documents the process, distributes reports and archives the results.
- Establish schedule and document animal care staff training in animal welfare philosophy and applied behavioral management as directed by Zoo management.
- Maintains knowledge of current and advanced processes in animal wellbeing assessment. Evaluates the information and informs management on new trends.
- Maintains a working knowledge of AZA accreditation standards for animal wellbeing and behavioral husbandry.
- Submits weekly reports for animals monitored with ZIMS Care and Welfare module.
- Collaborates with animal care staff to effectively maintain the Animal Welfare Committee and its processes.
Coordinate and Ensure Evaluation of Animal Enrichment Practices
- Maintains the animal enrichment program document in consultation and collaboration with animal care staff.
- Reports results and inconsistencies to supervisor. Facilitates and documents the enrichment request process.
- Collates and distributes monthly and year end animal enrichment assessments to Curators for review and formulation of action plans.
- Coordinates the creation of a “library” of enrichment resources and literature for staff.
- Collaborates with the Volunteer Coordinator to maintain volunteer programs for animal observations and enrichment.
- Maintains a functional understanding of ZIMS and assists the Registrar in training employees on the proper input of documentation via the Care and Welfare Module.
- Collaborates with animal care staff, Commissary supervisor, and Curator of Horticulture to maintain a browse program through all seasons.
Coordinate Animal Positive Reinforcement Training Activities
- Maintains and updates the PRT program documents in consultation and collaboration with animal care and veterinary teams to enhance overall health and well-being of the animal population.
- Coordinates the creation of a “library” of PRT resources and literature for staff
- Ensures proper recording and record-keeping of PRT activities
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Resources, Wildlife Management or a related field. Three (3) years’ experience in animal welfare and behavioral husbandry or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Per Sedgwick County policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US driver’s license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance.
Preferred Qualifications: Four (4) years’ experience in animal welfare and behavioral husbandry, including supervisory and administrative experience. Master’s Degree in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Resources, Wildlife Management, or a related field. Certification as Certified Interpretive Guide Trainer with National Association for Interpretation.
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