Operations Manager, Edmonton Valley Zoo and John Janzen Nature Centre Job Listing at City of Edmonton in Edmonton, AB (Job ID 50843)

Description

Get a behind-the-scenes look at this exciting opportunity by listening to Ellen Finn, Operations Manager of the Edmonton Valley Zoo and John Janzen Nature Centre, in this exclusive interview (https://bit.ly/3v0TEJe). In the recording, Ellen provides our listeners with an overview of the work happening at the Zoo and John Janzen Nature Centre and highlights the leadership qualities that will best position the incumbent for success. To view a transcript of the conversation, visit https://bit.ly/4c7F8Qu.

Reporting to the Director of the Arts, Heritage and Nature Experiences, this position is a member of the section leadership team responsible for strategic direction and overseeing the operations of Edmonton Valley Zoo and the John Janzen Nature Centre.

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is currently home to over 250 animals and more than 80 species. The Zoo has grown significantly since it opened in 1959 as The Storyland Valley Zoo. The Edmonton Valley Zoo is an educational facility which contributes to the conservation of global biodiversity. The vision of the Zoo is a sustainable world where all living things thrive. We leverage our unique role to connect people with animals, care about wildlife, and conserve the natural world.

Since 1976, the John Janzen Nature Centre's interactive exhibits, educational programming and special events have encouraged visitors towards a greater awareness of and engagement with the wonders of nature that surround us. The John Janzen Nature Centre invites visitors of all ages to have fun while learning more about the importance of Edmonton's natural spaces. The Nature Centre is a stepping stone to our local nature that inspires lasting impressions

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is currently creating a new Master Plan that will set a bold direction for the next 15 years. Through the development of a cohesive and comprehensive plan, the Edmonton Valley Zoo will seek to keep pace with evolving industry best practices and ensure the well being of this institution into the future. Concurrently, the Zoo is in the planning phase for the renewal and enhancement of several animal enclosures. The Operations Manager will be instrumental in the implementation of both the Master Plan and Capital Project.

At this time, we are searching for an Operations Manager to continue the stunning transformation of the Edmonton Valley Zoo and the John Janzen Nature Centre into special places that inspire the protection and conservation of animals and the world we live in.

What will you do? 

• Facility and site operations including: animal care, collection management, conservation and site maintenance
• Direct supervision and ongoing direction to approximately 25 permanent and 35 part time staff; independently evaluating employees' performance; approving subordinate supervisors' performance evaluations of employees
• Emergency preparedness, energy management, strategic and business planning
• Leading and monitoring environmental management, safety and security plans, and financial management, including reporting on Operations annual operating budget
• Liaising with various City and external service providers and partners regarding maintenance, asset management and capital planning and delivery
• Developing and implementing staff engagement strategies in an effort to build a positive workplace culture
• Fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and creativity that supports the growth of its members while promoting health and wellness, safety, and leadership development
• Providing technical and professional advice on strategic issues to Department, Branch and section staff to improve the operation of facilities
• Contributing and providing information related to council reports and inquiries
• Implementation and operationalization of strategic and capital planning initiatives
• Providing guidance and direction in hiring and retaining staff, including reviewing and assessing the duties, responsibilities, and workflow of the unit's staff in order to realign duties to more effectively build staff capacity and capitalize on its strengths
• Leading, monitoring, participating and tracking all aspects of the Occupational Health and Safety program at each facility and ensuring annual review of Joint Worksite Health & Safety committees, Hazard Assessment and Controls, Emergency Procedures, and emergency drills
• Coordinating with Animal Health on the management of the animal collection to ensure a cohesive approach to animal welfare issues
• Ensuring compliance with industry requirements in order to maintain accreditation with the Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and WAZA, and supporting the Zoo's endeavour to obtain accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)