SENIOR MANAGER, CONSERVATION OPERATIONS

Grow your career at one of the most unique workplaces in Calgary and join the Conservation & Science team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo!  We are looking for a Senior Manager, Conservation Operations to provide operational leadership to the Conservation & Science team. Reporting to the Associate Director of Conservation & Science, the ideal candidate will bring expertise in project management, partnerships, science communications, and staff management. Process improvements and relationship building with internal and external partners will also be key to this role.

The Senior Manager, Conservation Operations will support both the Conservation Translocations and Community Conservation portfolios in non-scientific deliverables focusing on key operational, administrative and communications functions.

Our Mission | Take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places
Our Values | Effective collaboration and communication, honesty and integrity, customer focus, safety, and conservation

What you will do:

• Support the Chief Conservation Officer, Associate Director, and other Senior Managers and Advisors in ensuring and facilitating the effective and timely completion of key administrative/legal/financial work, including budget requirements, and legal contracts
• Responsible for overseeing infrastructure, logistical, and human resource needs for the team
• Oversee the operation of key assets to ensure best possible effectiveness and to find efficiencies in operational areas of the Conservation & Science team's work
• Manage budgets focused on conservation operations and communications
• Work closely and support the Development team to ensure appropriate support in donor relations and a clear view of the programs and plans for fundraising proposals, and providing content and reporting for grants and agreements as required
• Support implementation of recommendations from the Welfare, Ethics, and Research process review 
• Oversee health and safety needs of the Conservation & Science team, particularly related to field work
• With staff team, support Conservation & Science team event planning, logistics and coordination
• Oversee a team of 5-6 conservation professionals to contribute individually or in teams to applied conservation activities in the office and in the field, including planning FTEs, hiring, setting pay, directing, developing, evaluating, disciplining, and terminating 
• Develop strong working relationships regarding synergies with branches across the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo including HR, Finance, IT, Communications, Development, Education, and Animal Care Health and Wellness
• Manage partnerships with other organizations for collaborative work including the drafting of data sharing agreements, memoranda of understanding, grant agreements, service contracts, communication plans, and associated budgets and reports
• Provide expertise and support for conservation program leaders in the development of proposals, business cases, and presentations
• Oversee and manage incoming internal and external requests for content and/or involvement, and assignment of requests to specific C&S staff
• Serve as a project manager for specific initiatives within conservation programs, especially when programs are going through major transitions
• Work closely with the Communications and Development teams to communicate about our conservation programs and work in accurate and engaging ways for a spectrum of audiences including zoo staff, volunteers, visitors, national and international public, donors, industry, scientific collaborators, and governments
• Oversee development of any research or conservation award applications (e.g. for AZA and others)
• Deputize for the Associate Director as required

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Business is required, a Master’s Degree is preferred 
• 10 years’ experience in operations, preferably for a conservation or science-based research organization
• Class 5 Driver’s License
• Experience supervising/mentoring a staff team
• Experience supporting operational and logistical needs for a research or non-profit organization
• Training in science communications is preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including demonstrated experience developing proposals, business cases, presentations, and reports for a range of audiences and the knowledge and application of science communication principles
• Excellent analytical skills
• Sound administrative capabilities regarding budgeting and project/financial reporting
• Project management experience required
• Experience developing agreements and/or Memoranda of Understanding with partners required
• Knowledge and/or experience of biological field work is preferred

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based 
• Long periods of sitting at computer work stations 
• Occasional travel may be required 
• Mobility around zoo grounds 

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is no smoking environment including vaping.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Compensation
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Employer matching RRSP
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit Program 
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of animals from around the world

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation?

If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following: 
•    Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewuP6xA-yiA)   
•    Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter no later than March 26, 2023 @ 4:00pm MST. 

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.