Ambassador Animal Project Manager

The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is seeking a dynamic Project Manager to lead the rebuilding and revitalization of our Ambassador Animal Program. This will involve overseeing the development, coordination, and execution of all program aspects. The Project Manager will work closely with animal care and education staff to create a sustainable and impactful experience that engages and educates the public about wildlife with a strong emphasis on animal welfare and empathy principles.

This is a 32-hour per week, 13-month, grant-funded role. This position offers full benefits.

Here's what you can expect to do:

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of the Ambassador Animal Program’s rebuilding, from concept through completion.
• Collaborate with animal care teams and education staff to design a comprehensive program that aligns with the zoo's mission and goals.
• Incorporate empathy and wellbeing principles into the program’s training, tools, and resources to enhance animal welfare and promote empathy and positive public perceptions of animal wellbeing.
• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure the program is implemented efficiently.
• Ensure the safety, welfare and wellbeing of animals involved in the program, following all relevant protocols and guidelines.
• Coordinate staff training and development, ensuring that empathy-based educational approaches and effective animal care techniques are integrated into the program.
• Evaluate program success and continuously seek improvements to enhance its impact on both animal welfare and visitor experience.

For more information and essential functions, see our Project Manager Parks and Recreation job description.

Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time. 

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job. 

Five years of experience in the following areas such as:

• Project management skills, including time management, communication, collaboration, creativity, and organization

• Experience working in an AZA-accredited zoo facility, with an understanding of the standards and best practices involved in animal care and educational programming

• Experience working with ambassador animals, with an understanding of their unique care, training needs, and educational value

• Experience developing internal resources and documents including SOPs, manuals, education curriculum, or staff training programs

Degrees in Animal Care, Zookeeping, Education, or a closely related field may be substituted for work experience as follows:

Associate Degree - 2 years
Bachelor’s Degree - 4 years

Relevant areas of academic and professional experience will be specified in any job announcement.

1. Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
2. Upload or submit the following document(s) via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.) 
   • A resume (optional)

First time applying online? Read ourHow to Apply Online Guide.

Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.

Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements. 

Selection Process: Applicants who meet the minimum job requirements will be placed on a hiring list for consideration. Hiring Managers may interview/hire anyone from the list. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.

Pre-Employment Screening: This position may require or requires a driver’s license check and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer, if qualifying based on education. 

Human Resources Contact Information:  
Michelle LeBow at 651-266-6519
Email: michelle.lebow@stpaul.gov

The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history. 

Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Working Title: Ambassador Animal Project Manager
Official Title: Project Manager Parks and Recreation

Salary : $63,835 - $86,403