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Job Description
Requirements
MOS Code: None
The City of El Paso is recruiting for the position of Zoo Director.
We are seeking a highly experienced and accomplished professional with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in z oo management, veterinary medicine, business or public administration or related field .
This position requires a minimum of eight years of professional eight (8) years of zoological operation experience, including four (4) years management experience. A v alid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state by the date of appointment.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience leading an AZA-accredited zoo in a director, deputy director, or equivalent executive role.
- Knowledge of municipal government operations, public finance, procurement, and labor relations.
- Experience with capital project delivery, bond-funded projects, or public-private partnerships.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant management, and external partnerships supporting conservation and education missions.
The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and insightful service-oriented leader with strong communication, leadership, and administrative abilities and have a solid understanding of current zoo operations principles, practices and techniques .
If you are looking for an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in one of the best run and progressive cities in the United States while enjoying an exceptional quality of life, the City of El Paso is the place for you!
General Purpose
Under administrative direction, manage zoological operations and development to establish and maintain quality facilities and programs, and a safe animal and visitor environment.
Typical Duties- Provide overall executive leadership for Zoo operations, including animal care and welfare, conservation programs, education initiatives, guest services, facilities, safety, and capital planning.
- Ensure the Zoo maintains accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), or other recognized accrediting bodies as applicable, including leading accreditation preparation, documentation, inspections, and continuous compliance efforts.
- Develop and implement strategic plans that align Zoo priorities with the City’s strategic goals, quality-of-life initiatives, and economic development objectives.
- Prepare and administer the Zoo’s operating and capital budgets; manage revenues, expenditures, grants, and fundraising activities in coordination with City finance policies.
- Serve as the primary liaison to the City Manager, City Council, and community stakeholders, providing regular reporting on performance, accreditation status, financial condition, and major initiatives.
- Oversee personnel management, including recruitment, professional development, performance evaluation, and succession planning, consistent with municipal human resources policies.
- Lead long-range capital planning for exhibits, infrastructure, and facilities to ensure regulatory compliance, animal welfare standards, sustainability, and visitor experience.
- Represent the Zoo at professional conferences, accreditation meetings, and public events; cultivate partnerships with conservation organizations, educational institutions, and regional, state, and national agencies.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and standards, including animal welfare regulations, workplace safety requirements, environmental regulations, and public procurement policies.
- Authorize the hiring of staff. Supervise staff directly and through subordinate supervisors. Appraise employee performance and review evaluations by subordinate supervisors. Provide for training and development. Enforce personnel regulations and work behavior standards firmly and impartially. Counsel, motivate, and maintain harmony. As the appointing authority, interview applicants and hire, terminate, transfer, discipline, or initiate other employee status changes.
- Application of comprehensive knowledge of zoo operations principles, practices, and techniques.
- Application of comprehensive knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing zoo operations.
- Application of considerable knowledge of budget preparation, personnel records systems, and standard general and fiscal administration policies and practices.
- Application of considerable knowledge of management and supervisory principles and techniques, pertinent federal, state, and local labor and safety rules and regulations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with businesses, coworkers, department heads, officials, customers, regulatory agencies, and the general public.
- Ability to assess objectives and operational requirements to develop and implement appropriate administrative policies and procedures for the city and the department.
- Ability to manage, develop, motivate, and evaluate professional, technical, supervisory, and clerical staff.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing to prepare and present comprehensive reports to the City Manager, Mayor, Council, City management, businesses, and the general public.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, officials, volunteers, regulatory agencies, and the general public.
Determined by agreement
Closing Date/Time: Continuous -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of El Paso
Show moreTHE CITY OF EL PASO HAS IMPLEMENTED PROGRAMS TO INVEST IN ITS WORKFORCE, INCLUDING:
- Competitive wages
- Pension Plans
- Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
- Health Savings Account
- Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave
- Quality Training and Tuition Assistance Programs
Mission:
Deliver exceptional services to support a high quality of life and place for our community.
Vision:
Develop a vibrant regional economy, safe and beautiful neighborhoods and exceptional recreational, cultural and educational opportunities powered by a high performing government.
Values:
Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, People
THE COMMUNITY
Located at the westernmost edge of Texas along the Rio Grande River, El Paso has long been recognized as one of the nation’s safest cities with a population of over 800,000. This thriving community is aptly referred to as the “Sun City” – a moniker derived from the 300+ days of sunshine experienced annually.
El Paso, the largest Texas City on the U.S./Mexico border and the sixth largest city in Texas, is a dynamic and vibrant community whose location on the border provides the City with a culturally diverse population and a rich heritage that embraces the past while building for the future.El Paso is filled with many attractions that residents and visitors enjoy alike. For sports enthusiasts, the City is home to The El Paso Chihuahuas, the Minor League baseball team and Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. El Paso is also home to Sun Bowl Stadium at UTEP where many events occur, including Division I college football games and other events, including the nationally televised Sun Bowl game held each year. UTEP is also the home of the legendary Don Haskins Center where Division I college basketball games are played. Residents and visitors may also take in an El Paso Locomotive FC soccer game or an El Paso Rhinos hockey game. Located in El Paso are amusement parks, water parks, state parks, museums, the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and the El Paso Symphony Orchestra. At the heart of the City is the Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest urban state park in Texas.
Fort Bliss is the largest installation in the United States Army Forces Command and the second largest military installation in the Army overall with the largest being the adjacent White Sands Missile Range. Fort Bliss is an anchor of the local economy and its economic stability, as it is the single largest employer in the area supporting over 167,000 people with an annual economic contribution of over $25 billion. The City of El Paso strives to be the #1 City in America for Veterans to live. The City of El Paso has been recognized by the Texas Veterans Commission for its high Veteran Employment rate. The City government currently employs approximately 14% of veterans and has a Military and Veterans Affairs department.
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