Post Doctoral Associate - Elephant Communication

Apply at: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/sdzwa/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/24978

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Post-Doctoral Associate oversees research projects and performs a variety of assigned research and diagnostic activities, while completing post-doctoral training in a specialized area of scientific research. This position reports to Scientist level or higher in the Conservation Science & Wildlife Health department.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Oversee assigned research projects.
• Collect, process, and enters research data.
• Perform experiments and measurements.
• Interpret and analyze research results and revises procedures as necessary.
• Establish and maintain databases.
• Document research methodology and results.
• Prepare progress reports.
• Conduct and oversee investigations of study subjects.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Population Sustainability team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has an opening for a full-time, 3-year Postdoctoral Associate to apply machine learning (ML) expertise to investigate the meaning and structure of African savanna elephant vocalizations. The Associate will design and implement research working in close collaboration with Colorado State University (CSU), Save the Elephants, and the Wildlife Care teams at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park in order to 1) explore individual and environmental variables influencing acoustic properties in elephant communication, 2) describe structural components encoding information and their behavioral context, and 3) explore how vocalizations may be used for applications in elephant conservation and welfare. The Associate will build a behaviorally and individually labelled dataset of elephant vocalizations from elephants at SDZWA using on-animal and array-based passive acoustic recording devices, and will have access to existing elephant vocalization datasets from wild elephants for analyses. Qualifications include a PhD in computer science, ecology, or a related field with a focus in ML, with a preference for candidates with experience in applying ML to acoustic data to develop detection and classification models. Qualified candidates will have background in Python programming, linguistic analysis, or advanced work in animal communication, and possess in-depth knowledge about contemporary methods in machine learning. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong record of collaboration and research creativity and productivity. The position is co-advised within the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at CSU and the Associate will spend time in both locations. The selected candidate will have opportunities to work with a diverse group of collaborators within SDZWA and CSU and with global partners, and will receive training in using the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation for the planning and adaptive management of conservation projects.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Position responsible for ensuring compliance with established guidelines.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Post Doctorate or Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine or equivalent specialized training required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Specialization area preferred. (i.e. population biologist, demography, or genetics)
• Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs
• Demonstrated ability to work with others in a diverse environment.
• Knowledge of science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts.

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Three Year Post Doctoral Associate Position
• Salary Range: $87,264 to $98,172

Salary

Salary Range: $87,264 to $98,172

Assistant Curator - Elephants

Apply at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cabq/jobs/5321042-0/assistant-curator-biopark

The ABQ BioPark seeks a dynamic team-orientated leader to support the area curator in managing the elephant department. The ideal candidate will demonstrate hands-on leadership, be proficient in verbal and written communication, possess strong knowledge of elephant management, AZA elephant standards and their implementation, and have a working knowledge of facility maintenance. As part of our team, you will actively help the ABQ BioPark foster meaningful connections between people and nature.

The Albuquerque (ABQ) BioPark, the most visited attraction in New Mexico (1.2M annual visitors) is a dynamic cultural facility including an AZA accredited zoo and aquarium, a botanic garden and public park with fishing ponds.  The BioPark is a beloved community jewel. The voters of the Albuquerque community voted in favor of a fifteen-year 1/8 cent gross receipts tax (GRT) in 2015 to support the implementation of the BioPark’s master plan. This support has allowed the BioPark Zoo to make important additions to the zoo including a new elephant barn, Asia, Birds of Prey exhibit, nearly $10M in maintenance infrastructure improvements and the opening of new Asia and Australia exhibits in 2023.  In addition to broad community support for capital improvements, the BioPark is currently in the midst of strategic planning process that has identified a new mission, core values and strategic program pillars to guide our work over the next five years. We are excited to have this process evolve alongside a master plan review and update process that aligns capital improvements with program development that is focused on community engagement and conservation impacts.

The City is committed to providing employees one of the most comprehensive and reasonably priced benefit packages available in New Mexico. We hope that you will find the coverage offered provides you with the choices and options necessary to keep you and your family healthy and well. The City offers regular, full-time and part-time employees the option of participating in a variety of group insurance plans. Both Regular and Temporary (non-seasonal) employees participate in the state's retirement system. Additional Benefit information is available by clicking on the link below. General Benefits: http://www.cabq.gov/humanresources/employee-benefits/new-employee-information

Position Summary

Supervise, plan and coordinate staff engaged in a variety of ABQ BioPark services, activities and operations with the focus on providing highly responsible care and husbandry of the BioPark's diverse living collection. This includes the maintenance of exhibits and facilities.  Assignment will be in one of the BioPark facilities:  Zoo (exotic animals); Botanic Garden (plants, trees, farm animals and displays); Aquarium (salt and fresh water aquatic animals and plants).

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. Coordinate the organization, staffing and operational activities for a variety of Biological Park services, activities and operations including the care and husbandry of animals; the care of Botanical Garden displays including trees, farm crops,  the maintenance of animal enclosures and facilities and the provision of educational services.
2. Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities; recommend and implement resulting policies and procedures.
3. Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures, identify resource needs; review with appropriate management staff, implement improvements.
4. Direct, coordinate and review the work plan for assigned Biological Park services, assign work activities and projects; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures, meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
5. Monitor animal diets, enclosures and transportation; ensure health and welfare of animals and farm crops.
6. Conduct research on assigned sections of the plant or animal collections; maintain and update collection inventory and records.
7. Assist with the evaluation of exhibit needs and tree health care; participate in the design, construction, and security of various animal habitats; coordinate assigned tasks with maintenance and construction divisions and staff as specified; manage facility as designated.
8. Assist with monitoring animal husbandry methods, diets, enclosures and transportation; ensure health and welfare of animals; consult with veterinarians as directed.
9. Participate in the preparation of documents and reports related to the inventory, equipment, supplies and products.
10. Research specific animal or plant history prior to acquisition; make recommendations for acquisition and disposition of animals, plants and trees.
11. Assist with analyzing Bio Park visitor needs; participate in the design of programs to fit those needs.
12. Respond to public inquiries regarding plants or animals and their behaviors; may evaluate, prepare and modify various educational materials and curricular; assist with the education programs as needed.
13. Assist in selection, training and evaluation of animal care personnel and the coordination of staff training.
14. Participate as assigned, in the development and administration of budget, forecast funds for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies, etc. as necessary.
15. Assist Bio Park Curator as needed.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Participate on a variety of committees and boards relative to assigned area of responsibility; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as necessary.
2. Attend and participate in professional group meetings, seminars training sessions as needed.
3. Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Zoo, Aquarium and Botanical Garden operations, including arboriculture; maintain awareness of new developments in the field assigned; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.
4. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Experience Required

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in zoology, animal husbandry or biology; and Three (3) years of management of exotic animals and exotic animal husbandry experience; and To include one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience. Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred.

Further Comments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from date of hire. Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire. Working Conditions Environmental: Outdoor facilities; may work in an animal environment including a variety of domestic, exotic, aquatic animals and animal waste; Work in or with water; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; exposure to chemicals and pesticides, noise, dust, heat, cold and inclement weather conditions. Physical: Essential and supplemental functions may require physical condition necessary for; light to heavy lifting; for walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping; kneeling, crawling for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.

Zookeeper - Elephants (Full Time)

Apply at: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/MEM1007MEMZ/JobBoard/589ecc50-d631-48cf-b243-6b42ca5abc8a/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=25596d0d-c198-4f35-b692-5e542ae20c67

This position is primarily responsible for the daily husbandry of five female African elephants. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we begin the process of designing a new Africa habitat for our elephants, rhinos, giraffe and hoofstock. This renovation and expansion will serve to further the Memphis Zoo’s commitment to elephants in the future. The ideal candidate would be proficient in all aspects of zoo animal care including husbandry, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, record keeping, public presentations, and conservation. Candidates for this position should be self-motivated, hard-working, positive, dependable, who can work independently, but also thrive in a team setting.

Essential Job Functions:

• Daily husbandry of assigned animals.

• Facilitates formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.

• Actively observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address medical needs.

• Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets and maintain accurate records of assigned animals.

• Appropriately cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures/habitats according to written protocols and ensures a sanitary and safe environment.

• Exercises good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection.

• Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section.

• May incorporate modern behavioral husbandry techniques such as operant conditioning and environmental enrichment into animal care.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent. 

• Some college level coursework in the fields of Zoology, Biology, Psychology, or related field.

• Experience working with animals in a zoological setting and/or similar experience working large mammals in the field of agriculture.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Previous experience working with elephants in a captive setting.

Competencies:

• Written and oral communication. 

• Proficient in MS office, current technology and applications for communication, research, and record keeping.

• Records and reports creation and management.

• Critical thinking.

• Problem Solving/Analysis.

• Stress Management/Composure.

• Flexibility. 

• Teamwork Orientation.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Associate Curator, Team Lead.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends. 

This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws. 

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold. 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 18 years or older.

• Clear background check.

• Clear drug screening.

• Clear TB screening.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.  

EEOC and Inclusion Statement: 

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. 

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. 

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Salary

16.00 - 17.50/hour