1. Assist the Curator in supervising all components of the operation of the Ornithology Department, including regular meetings with supervisory staff and site visits to Ornithology Department installations.
2. Oversee the activities of the department's staff as it relates to the management of the animal collection. Set standards for staff positions within the department, and work with collections manager and supervisors to ensure appropriate training of staff.
3. Participate in and provide leadership to AZA conservation programs (e.g. SSPs and TAGs) and support involvement of departmental staff in AZA and other relevant programs.
4. Communicate and collaborate on a regular basis with scientific staff from other zoological parks (and WCS facilities) to learn about information that will enhance the management of the bird collection or assist other institutions with their collections.
5. Communicate with and assist other departments that relate to the Ornithology Department (e.g. Global Health Programs, Animal Records, and Center for Global Conservation, the other animal departments, Operations and the various shops, EGAD, Marketing, Public Affairs).
6. Formally disseminate information to the keeper staff via publishing department newsletters, setting up and chairing keeper meetings, developing orientation programs, and providing feedback on job performance in an effort to keep lines of communication between staff and keepers as open as possible.
7. Interview candidates for supervisory, keeper, provisional keeper, and intern and volunteer positions.
8. Mentor interns, volunteers and students within the department as part of WCS's effort to provide training for future zoologists.
9. Help prepare the department's operating and capital budgets and manage expenditures throughout the year.
10. Participate as a member of exhibit/holding facility design teams to insure that proposed designs of animal facilities are appropriate and acceptable for the animal collection. Oversee construction of facilities and the acclimatization of animals to those exhibits and holding areas.
11. Assist Curator in developing and maintaining a department collection plan that outlines program priorities and goals. Make decisions about the acquisition and disposition of birds, which requires a knowledge of relevant wildlife and transport regulations, policies or WCS and AZA, and status of wild and zoo populations.
12. Conduct appropriate in-situ and ex-situ animal research, and disseminate results by writing papers for professional and popular publications and giving presentations to professional and lay audiences.
13. Contribute to, enhance and uphold WCS's policies toward the Equal Employment Opportunities for women, minorities, veterans, the handicapped and other protected groups.
1. Advanced academic education and a minimum of five years of practical experience managing birds in a zoological park. The academic background is essential for applying scientific methodologies to animal management, and the practical experience is critical for making sound management decisions that the well-being of the collection. Specific skills needed include: database management and solid understanding of genetic-based computer software (ARKS and SPARKS), program development skills, communication skills.
2. Interest/experience in developing the short and long term management plans and programs for the animal collection.
3. Ability to supervise a large and diverse group of union and non-union employees.
4. Ability to read and understand blueprints useful.
5. Knowledge of animal behavior, animal management, basic animal nutrition and health needs.
6. Experience preparing and using a budget.
7. Ability to work closely with people at all levels.
