Auckland Zoo · Nationwide / location varies · posted 20 days ago
Our commitment to te ao Māori We honour te Tiriti o Waitangi, accord value to te Ao Māori (the Māori world), support kaitiakitanga and are responsive to the needs of Māori. You support and promote the development of staff confidence and capability across te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, te ao Māori and te Tiriti o Waitangi, so everyone can contribute to the delivery of Māori Outcomes for and with Māori. Role Purpose The Team Leader ensures that the staff, facilities, and animals associated with their respective team and section (Carnivores; Ungulates; Primates; Birds, Ectotherms), and other areas as assigned, are managed to achieve departmental goals. These goals include, but are not limited to, excellent standards of animal husbandry and resulting positive welfare, managing each animal species to fulfil clearly defined conservation, education & research roles, developing and delivering an exceptional visitor experience, and working collaboratively with other sections and departments within the Zoo and with our key partners outside the Zoo. The Team Leader will also be responsible for supporting the development and delivery of field conservation skills and field conversation opportunities and for proactively encouraging and supporting a science-based approach to all aspects of our operation. All these goals need to be delivered within and in support of the Animal Care & Conservation department and Auckland Zoo strategic roadmap and associated goals. Note: this position will be expected to work some weekends and public holidays. Key Responsibilities Animal Management, Husbandry and Welfare • Work with Curator and other depts to define conservation/education/research role/s for all species – articulated in associated Species Action Plans (SAP) - and ensure that team staff have a clear understanding of these. • Ensure that the welfare of each species is assessed and reviewed annually, guided by the Five Domains model, and recorded in the respective SAP. • Work with Curator to develop and deliver excellence in animal management and to meet zoo, regional and international sustainability needs for each species in the zoo, document this in the relevant SAP and implement the identified actions. • Continually develop specialist skills, knowledge, and expertise in relevant taxa, support the development of same in team staff. • Support the Animal Records & Compliance Officer in training staff and maintaining up to date and excellent animal records in ZIMS. • Support the Animal Records & Compliance Officer in ensuring that all relevant animal facilities are inspected, records maintained, and transports conducted, in accordance with MPI standards. • Develop and maintain excellent and innovative animal exhibits that help to deliver an exceptional visitor experience and help inspire a deeper understanding of these species. • Participate in exhibit planning and design to ensure innovative and imaginative developments within the zoo that also facilitate excellence in animal management, welfare and husbandry. • Team Leader and team contribute to the collection of relevant observations/data and generation and publication of popular and scientific articles. Field Conservation • Work with the Curators and Field Programmes Coordinator to identify and develop field conservation/research projects relevant to zoo objectives and staff skill set. • Facilitate the development of relevant skills among the team which can be applied in field conservation/research work. • Have a clear knowledge of, and commitment to, the World Zoo Conservation Strategy 2015 and a thorough understanding of the Auckland Zoo field conservation objectives - and work to communicate an understanding of these documents to section staff. Leadership and Management • Lead and manage team staff so they function efficiently together towards delivery of identified section goals. • Roster staff, ensuring the right skills & capabilities are available to meet the requirements of 7-day/wk Zoo operations while meeting leave entitlement and expectations. • Provide all staff with a clear career development path through the setting and regular review of formal Performance, Development Plan (PDP) objectives and provide an informal mentoring environment in which they can develop. • Promptly and constructively address poor performance, seeking support from Curator and P&C team where necessary. • Actively create and promote a positive and constructive work environment for all staff. • Actively promote P&C initiatives within the organisation which seek to positively develop staff engagement and assess and address wellbeing. • Embrace the Zoo’s cultural journey and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and lead the team in adjusting to the challenges of becoming a bi-cultural organisation. • Oversee supervision/training/assessment of students and volunteers working on the section. • Ensure all staff comply with legislative requirements. Advocacy, public relations & customer service • Represent the section and Auckland Zoo in broadcast and print media. • Encourage and support the publication of articles and the giving of presentations by section staff on key section/team activities and achievements. • Support and encourage the development of public speaking skills among team members to facilitate the delivery of Auckland Zoo’s key conservation messages. • Work with other departments in the zoo towards the delivery of exceptional customer experience products. • Represent Auckland Zoo at key meetings, workshops, and conferences at the request of the Curator and Head of Animal Care & Conservation. • Maintain positive and collaborative working relationships internally and externally. Administration and role in the Animal Care and Conservation Management Team • Actively manage allocated section budget and staff allocation to achieve agreed section goals. • Ensure that section reports are submitted in a timely manner and to a high standard. • Ensure all section documentation, procedures and manuals are maintained to a high standard and are kept up to date. • Ensure all staff training and qualifications is properly documented. • Deliver efficient and timely verbal and written communication with internal and external stakeholders and partners to help maintain and build the reputation of the Animal Care & Conservation department and Auckland Zoo • Contribute to the overall leadership and management of the Animal Care & Conservation Department by actively participating as a member of the Team Leader team led by the Curatorial team. • Undertake the duty of ‘Animal Care in Charge’ (ACIC) on weekends/public holidays according to agreed roster and/or during week at Curatorial request. Organisational Obligations • Action the organisation’s good employer obligations and equal employment bicultural policies and practices. • As an employee of the organisation, you are required to be associated, as required, with Civic Defence Emergency Management or any exercise that might be organised in relation to this organisation function. • Promote a safe and healthy workplace by undertaking responsibilities as outlined in the organisation’s health and safety policy and procedures. • Promote activities and initiatives that assist the organisation achieve its vision and mission. • Promote one-organisation initiatives and action these service characteristics. • As an employee of the organisation, you are required to familiarise yourself and comply with all organisation policies, including but not limited to, Our Charter. Outcomes Animal Management, Husbandry and Welfare • All species have clearly defined roles and a plan to deliver them effectively with staff understand and contribute towards. • Welfare of all species is regularly assessed, documented in SAP and identified improvements made wherever practicable. • All species have realistic sustainability goals and mechanisms identified, document and implemented - consistent with regional and international programmes and recommendations. • Exceptional knowledge and expertise are demonstrated in the relevant taxa and bestpractice management, husbandry, and welfare. • Auckland zoo’s animal records are maintained to an internationally recognised high standard and all relevant species information is recorded in a timely and professional manner. • All animal facilities and transports meet relevant compliance. • Animal exhibits are widely recognised as being of a very high standard and are widely appreciated by zoo visitors. • All new developments are of an internationally recognised high standard and provide our animals with the best possible husbandry and welfare standards. • Valuable information on section activities/practice/achievements is published in relevant literature. Field Conservation • The Auckland Zoo field conservation portfolio includes projects which further the zoo’s field conservation objectives and leverage zoo staff skills. • Team staff have a comprehensive suite of skills that are employed in Auckland Zoo field conservation activities. • A knowledge of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy can be demonstrated, and Auckland Zoo field projects align to the field conservation objectives. Leadership and Management • The team is considered by the Curator and Head of Animal Care & Conservation to be performing well and there is a strong team among staff. • All staff have a current PDP which progresses their career development at Auckland Zoo. A strong team ethic is evident to the Curator and Head of Animal Care & Conservation. • Issues are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner. • Team members are happy in their roles and contribute positively towards the delivery of section/department/ zoo objectives. • Staff actively participate in feedback initiatives within the organisation and a culture of openness and trust is fostered. • The team welcomes and effectively supports the zoo in implementing its Māori Responsiveness plan and associated change. • Your team meets the deliverables agreed in your Māori outcomes planning for the division and can pronounce and use basic te reo Māori in emails, meetings and conversations. You understand, demonstrate and value the use of tikanga where appropriate. • Students and volunteers are managed and supported appropriately on the section. • Legislative requirements understood and met by staff. Advocacy, public relations & customer service • The section, team and Auckland Zoo are professionally represented, and the reputation of the zoo is enhanced. • The profile and reputation of Auckland Zoo is enhanced. • Team members develop and practice good public speaking skills. • Exceptional customer experience products are developed and delivered. • Auckland Zoo is represented, and its profile and reputation is enhanced. • Positive working relationships are maintained, and the reputation of Department and Zoo is enhanced. Administration and role in the Animal Care and Conservation Management Team • Section spending and staff allocation is accurately and responsibly managed. • High-quality reports are submitted on time. • All section documentation is current and maintained to a high standard. • Documentation of staff training is accurate and up to date. • Efficient, timely and professional communication is delivered. • Positive contribution made to the Animal Care & Conservation department management team. • TL is familiar with responsibility of the ACIC role and confident and competent in undertaking it as required. Organisational obligations • Auckland Council meets is obligations as an employer. • Auckland Council’s reputation is enhanced within the community. • A safe and secure working environment is maintained at all times. • Staff and students promote a safe and healthy workplace by undertaking the responsibilities outlined in relevant H&S policies and section procedures. • Risks are anticipated and effective solutions are put in place to mediate or eliminate potential hazards. • Incidents including emergencies, are managed effectively and reporting procedures are followed. Key Skills • Demonstrated leadership and team building skills and able to communicate with and motivate staff to achieve agreed objectives. • Proficient in managing staff performance and proactively resolving conflict. • Able to delegate fairly and effectively. • Exceptional ex situ animal management knowledge and skills. • Able to build and sustain effective working relationships and partnerships. • Excellent customer service focus and awareness. • Strong personal organisation, time and budget management skills. • Demonstrates understanding of policies and processes relevant to position. • Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare and present information clearly. Proven ability with public speaking. • Clear thinking and solutions focussed – able to manage competing demands, make effective decisions and think creatively to come up with solutions to challenges. • Computer literacy – minimum Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint and competency in the use of zoo animal records software (ZIMS). Job Requirements Qualifications • Relevant (biological/conservation sciences) undergraduate degree or Certificate (minimum) in Zookeeping or equivalent qualification(s) and/or relevant experience in related field Experience • Minimum eight (8) years’ experience within a Zoo or related industry. • Demonstrated knowledge and minimum five (5) years’ experience with the husbandry and welfare of a range of relevant species. • Previous practical experience within a Zoo or affiliated conservation industry • Demonstrated ability to lead, able to organise and motivate a large team and generate a sense of team-spirit and common purpose. • Proven experience in a line management role, including recruitment and deployment of staff, managing performance and coaching and developing staff to enhance their skills and contribution. • Familiarity with rostering, time administration and payroll systems is preferred. • Demonstrable understanding and track record of meeting relevant health and safety and security expectations. Leadership Capability Drives Vision & Purpose Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action Manages Complexity Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems Ensures Accountability Holding self and others accountable to commitments Collaborates Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives Courage Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said Manages Ambiguity Operating effectively, even when things are not certain, or the way forward is not clear Builds Effective Teams Building strong teams that apply their diverse skill and perspectives to achieve common goals Key Relationships Internal • Curator (line manager) • Other Animal Care & Conservation Curators, Team Leaders and teams • Veterinary (NZCCM) team • Browse & Stores team • Zoo Facilities team • Horticulture team • Volunteer team • Conservation Learning & Community and Visitor Experience & Engagement teams • Brand Experience & Business Development team External • Zoo & Aquarium Association (ZAA) • Staff at other zoological institutions • Auckland Zoo conservation partners • Universities and colleges • National and international press and media Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents in the assigned job. They are not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required of the incumbent. From time to time, employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.
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