Conservation Field Manager

About the Position

Please note: A Cover letter is required for this role to better consider your application.

The Conservation Field Manager will advance Oakland Zoo’s mission by expanding and diversifying our field conservation initiatives, focusing on human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and habitat loss solutions for California native predator species - with capacity to expand into global predator initiatives. Joining the Conservation Team, the primary responsibilities are establishing and implementing plans to conserve species such as gray wolves, mountain lions, and African lions through alliance building, research-based conservation programs, community action, and behavior change strategies.

Conservation

Department

Manager:

Vice President, Conservation

Year-Round

Full-Time

$34.61 - $36.05

Application Deadline:

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, life insurance, PTO (Paid Time Off), 403B retirement benefits and a Family Zoo Membership.

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Essential Job Duties

Field Conservation Program Management

Research, identify and develop field programs with various partner organizations to support holistic conservation strategies and maximize conservation impact
Co-create effective, long-term plans that leverage local knowledge systems and values, and support capacity-strengthening to improve the status of ecological and human well-being
Collaborate across departments, aligning Oakland Zoo resources with created initiatives
Develop and operationalize robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks for future field conservation efforts, including research, protection/restoration, community engagement and education

Conservation Leadership

Actively contribute wildlife conservation expertise in the planning and design of new and existing exhibits at Oakland Zoo, serving as a champion for innovative and inspiring educational experiences on campus that reflect field conservation projects.
Work collaboratively with public engagement, education and marketing efforts to ensure alignment of field conservation projects with public experience and engagement
Work with relevant IUCN Species Survival Commission Specialist Groups, and AZA Safe Groups to build alignment and optimize conservation actions between zoos/aquariums/botanic gardens and national species experts
Participate in the planning and implementation of Field Conservation Department initiatives and help inform Oakland Zoo’s strategic and master planning work
Complete other duties as needed and assigned

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Who You Are

Oakland Zoo does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here and will consider the combination of formal education, training, and practical experience of each applicant. We are committed to supporting the career development of our employees. A strong candidate who is interested in growing and learning in this role will possess at least 75% of the following qualifications. If this is you, then we strongly encourage you to apply.

Expertise in human-wildlife conflict mitigation and resolution
Experience in climate change, and habitat loss solutions for California native predator species
Experience in community engagement and behavior change theory
Ability to effectively interact with a variety of stakeholders with varying perceptions of wildlife: conservationists, government agencies, communities, ranchers, researchers, etc.
Experience in intra-agency, interagency, and tribal coordination and cooperation
Experience in wildlife applied and actionable research
Ability to work both independently and within a team structure
Ability to drive initiatives forward remotely and in-person
Experience managing a team of interns or volunteers
Experience supporting fundraising and fulfilling/managing grants
The Oakland Zoo requires COVID vaccination*

Required Education

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities

May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility
Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued
Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
‍Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
‍Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
‍Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

Who We Are

The Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), The Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. The Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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