Director of Animal Collections

Title: Director of Animal Collections

Position Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Direct Reports: Aquatics Manager, Lepidopterist Manager, Zookeeping Manager & Registrar

About Butterfly Pavilion: Here at Butterfly Pavilion, we transform the way people think about invertebrates. These small but mighty animals that surround us are so much more than people think. They are everywhere, because everything depends on them. They are the hidden heroes of the animal kingdom. As the leader in invertebrate knowledge, inspiration and connection, Butterfly Pavilion works to foster an appreciation of these critical animals by educating the public about the need to protect and care for threatened habitats globally, while conducting research for solutions in invertebrate conservation. Whether it is providing unique, hands-on learning experiences in our exhibits and educational programs, conducting new research that sets the standard for zoos across the country or building innovative solutions for species and habitat conservation in countries around the world, Butterfly Pavilion is leading the way in ensuring invertebrates are protected for the future.

Looking forward, we are committed to providing the most enriching experience for our audience, being recognized as a scientific authority, and being a leading educational resource on invertebrates. To this end, Butterfly Pavilion has begun the early stages of launching a $40 million Capital Campaign to expand Butterfly Pavilion into the Center for Invertebrate Research and Conservation (CIRC) in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in 2022.

A large part of who we are as an organization is how we interact with each other. Valuing our facility, guests, donors, and our team is a priority, without these puzzle pieces we can't make it all work, these Core Values guide us throughout our day. We Love What We Do at Butterfly Pavilion, we Make Science Cool by Going Above and Beyond for all guests, donors, and team members while also Leading Change in invertebrate conservation. We Know Our Stuff and work to have a healthy culture by Being Positive and Welcoming to All. These aren't just words, but words for us to live by here at Butterfly Pavilion.

FLSA: Full Time/Exempt Minimum 40-45 hours per week

Salary: $60,000-$65,000/year + Full Benefits

Position Summary: The Director of Animal Collections oversees Butterfly Pavilion's terrestrial invertebrate collection. The position oversees the Curatorial Department's staff and budget and is responsible for managing all aspects of quality and maintenance of Butterfly Pavilion animal collections including but not limited to staff oversight, organization and coordination of schedules, animal acquisition, animal maintenance and husbandry, animal exhibitory and record-keeping. This position leads USDA containment requirements and guidelines and AZA standards. This position also works in collaboration with Research and Conservation and Professional Services to lead and supports projects domestic and international.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Serves as liaison between COO and Curatorial staff, implementing policies and procedures developed by the COO, Curatorial leadership, and Butterfly Pavilion leadership. Communicates feedback from the staff to COO when appropriate.
  • The Director of Animal Collections implements procedures and protocol for all areas of the terrestrial invertebrate collection including but not limited to; animal husbandry, maintenance, life support systems, monitoring of animal health, welfare, diet and behavior, quarantine protocols and record keeping. Manages supplies and animal food budgets.
• Hires and evaluates Curatorial staff and performance with support from COO.
• Manages Curatorial staff members and volunteers.
• Collaborates with Horticulture, Programs, Interpretation, Exhibits and Operations departments on animal collection exhibits, maintenance, and repair.
• Assists with USDA, USFW and other governing authorities. Works to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Upholds AZA standards and follows, as well as updates, Butterfly Pavilion animal policies.
• Is responsible for day-to-day animal welfare of terrestrial invertebrate collection in all exhibits.
  • These duties include daily monitoring and maintenance of all exhibits: husbandry/breeding, animal health, animal needs, exhibit cleanliness, quarantine and record keeping.
  • Oversees invertebrate management/husbandry protocols ensuring established husbandry standards are met.
  • Leads the development and implementation of the Institutional Collection Plan.
  • Oversees and supports implementation of enrichment for all animal collections.
  • Manages and reports on issues concerning animal behavior, animal health, and other relevant activities.
  • Oversees animal transfers and procedures, including research and development of proposal, obtaining appropriate licenses and permits, transportation logistics, breeding loan and donation agreements and invoice management for all collections
• Oversees departmental vision, direction, and Curatorial budgetary development with some support from COO.
  • Collaborates with other departments for future plans for the Zoo including exhibit renovation, content design and feasibility.
• Engages Butterfly Pavilion guests, constituents and scientific community; answering questions as a source for accurate invertebrate identification and information for the community.
  • Participates in speaking engagements on invertebrate topics and supports media needs when assigned.
  • Support Butterfly Pavilion professional services.
• Provides staffing support in all exhibits when needed.
• Assists Programs, Interpretation and Exhibits branch by vetting educational curriculum and providing content.
• Participates in or leads the creation and execution of volunteer/intern or staff trainings as necessary.
• Work with Volunteer Manager/Interpretation in developing new trainings, as needed, on all exhibits. Lead said trainings or direct Programs and Interpretation on these trainings.
• Serves on Exhibits committee, providing invertebrate information for interpretive signage and design and development of current and future exhibits.
• Leads in implementing Curatorial research and conservation projects.

• • Assists in research and conservation projects as needed. Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers, problem solve and communicate within the team and when working with other teams or departments.

• Evaluates success of Curatorial projects within Research and Conservation Programs
• Leads grant writing for projects.
• Oversees department in developing invertebrate information for the website.
• Build and foster relationships with funders to support sponsorships and grant funding for Research and Conservation projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Project/Time management
• Results and goal-oriented
• Resource management
• Strategic thinking
• Coaching and developing
• Resource generation
• Fund development
• Decision Making

Qualifications/Experience:

• Possesses a master's degree in biology or a related biological field of study. 3+ years' experience working with invertebrates/butterflies or animals in a zoo, museum, or similar facility is desired.

Additional Requirements:

• Required attendance at monthly all staff, branch and department meetings and additional trainings and Butterfly Pavilion functions as designated essential by department and/or organizational need.
• Employee must adhere to Rosie's Rules, check email and phone messages regularly, report injuries within 24 hours, and alerts immediate supervisor and necessary team staff when calling in from work.
• Attend leadership meetings and trainings, as required.
• May be required to travel domestically or internationally.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

While performing the responsibilities of this position, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the position will encounter. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

At Butterfly Pavilion, the employee is occasionally exposed to moderate to loud environmental noise for extended periods of time.

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and stand, use their hands and fingers, to handle/feel/grasp. The employee is required to reach with arms and hands, walk, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Employee should be able to lift, carry and items up to 50 lbs.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to high humidity, intense sunlight, heat, cold, wind, precipitation, and uneven surfaces. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles. This position may have to occasionally run small machinery. The employee will be exposed to salt water, aquarium maintenance chemicals, shellfish (living and dead), and chemicals (bleach, vinegar, ammonia, etc.). This employee will also be exposed to venomous and non-venomous invertebrates. This employee must handle a variety of invertebrate animals, some being mildly venomous.

Employee must have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination.

How to Apply:

Butterfly Pavilion is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply for open positions and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or veteran status.

Applicants must submit a Resume and Cover Letter to the following link:

Position is open until filled. No phone calls or drop ins please.

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