Director of Natural Resource Facilities and Services 69270
(Competitive)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
This is an administrative position involving responsibility for the professional management and future development of a municipal zoological park by exhibiting clean, healthy animals in well-kept attractive surroundings. Supervision is exercised over operational, programmatic, public relations, customer service and zoological personnel. Work is performed under the general direction of the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. Direction is received in the form of budget allocations and general policy approval. Does related work as required.
Communicates verbally or through written directives and interprets departmental policy as applicable to the operation of the zoo.
Recruits, trains, supervises and evaluates zoo personnel. Advises the Commissioner regarding the suitability of candidates for employment or employees for promotion; advises people responsible for operation of park units in regard to personnel matters such as County or department policies; and resolves problems concerning employee discipline by instructing supervisory personnel to take specific courses of action.
Plans the animal collection to make it representative of the philosophical and educational goals of modern zoo management.
Confers with the Commissioner and other administrative staff members to identify needs and costs of management in order to provide quality services at the zoo.
Assigns and schedules maintenance activities for buildings and grounds based on frequent inspections.
Examines all zoo specimens for health, living conditions and appropriateness of display situation.
Consults with the General Curator and veterinary staff concerning diseases, medications, treatments and preventative measures applicable to the animal population.
Assures the maintenance of safe, sanitary and attractive conditions throughout the zoo.
Assures enjoyable, informational oriented programs and interpretive standards throughout the facility. Analyzes and revises the zoo program to provide maximum service to the public.
Writes budget requests, special funding requests and grant proposals. Fills out complex budget forms indicating monies or personnel needed and describes in narrative fashion justification for operational needs.
Approves all purchase orders for supplies, maintenance, equipment and food for the zoo population.
Prepares reports and maintains a record system for all phases of the zoo operation.
Prepares a variety of narrative reports and makes verbal presentation to inform the Commissioner, Directors and those concerned with the department about the natural resource activities of the zoo.
Promotes zoo activities and exhibits through speaking, written material and newspaper articles and advertisements.
Has frequent contact with the public, personally through telephone calls, and through letters, to interpret and communicate departmental policy, rules, regulations or programs.
Participates in the planning of capital improvements, maintenance projects and recreational programming by advising which improvements and programs would be appropriate for the zoo, by recommending and presenting capital needs of zoo facilities, and by identifying any applicable impact planning may have on existing natural resource activities. Participates in planning future development and design of facilities.
Attends meetings, does research and prepares written materials concerning design of facilities and general future development of the zoo.
Maintains a cooperative relationship with the Friends of the Zoo encompassing responsibility of approving/endorsing organizational activity as agent of Onondaga County per management agreements.
Represents the department at Legislative, budgetary, personnel and other committees and meetings to explain and offer data concerning the services, needs and operation of the department.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Comprehensive knowledge of natural resource and facility administration including management of living collections, physical plant management, personnel administration, and budget administration.
Comprehensive knowledge of park policies, rules, regulations and objectives.
Thorough knowledge of the methods and principles of planning and administration as applied to the management of a zoo.
Good knowledge of the current ideas, advances, principles and practices in the field of zoological park administration.
Good knowledge of budget preparation and processes within a government setting.
Working knowledge of construction engineering and architectural techniques as they apply to zoo development. Familiarity with construction, design and engineering standards.
Working knowledge of principles and practices of supervision.
Working knowledge of the methods and principles of personnel administration.
Ability to monitor the expenditures of funds.
Ability to interpret, explain and apply departmental policy.
Ability to set priorities for zoo programs and operations with respect to natural resource concerns.
Ability to identify and anticipate problems and needs pertaining to zoo management.
Ability to supervise a large number of employees.
Ability to plan and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
Ability to express oneself orally, and in writing.
Ability to read and understand complex and technical literature pertaining to the field of zoo management.
Ability to accurately maintain a complex set of records.
Ability to prepare and present concise written and oral reports.
Ability to speak well and interestingly to groups.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Promotion:
Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Park Superintendent 2, Nature Center Superintendent or Curator of Animals.
Open Competitive:
Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a baccalaureate degree in environmental science, parks and recreation management, resource management, business administration, public administration, zoology or biology or a closely related field and four (4) years of professional level work experience or its part-time equivalent, in zoo management, park operations, or park management, or in the operation of a public use natural resource site, facility or complex, at least two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or,
Eight (8) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in natural resource operation, zoo maintenance or management, four (4) years of which must have been professional level experience in park operation or park management or in the operation of a public use natural resource site or zoo, facility or complex, of which two (2) years must have been in a supervisory capacity; or,
An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).
Revised 2/11