Zoological Manager

Role Overview

Zoological Manager at Miral Destinations, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. This role leads operations of an assigned zoological section and team, directly impacting animal health and safety, guest safety, colleague safety, and theme park operations.

Company Overview

Miral Experiences is a region's leader in the management and operation of world-class, award-winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi. The portfolio includes Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, and Qasr Al Watan. The company specializes in crafting unique experiences that cater to all tastes and ages, delivering thrills, joy, and discovery.

Role Purpose

The Zoological Manager leads the team in delivering an excellent guest experience while maintaining behavioral husbandry and welfare of assigned animal populations. The role oversees animal presentation behaviors, departmental budgets, animal population sustainability planning, and participates in exhibit design and capital expansion planning.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Husbandry

• Lead, support, and coordinate all animal behavior and husbandry requirements for an assigned animal habitat area in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
• Develop behavior and enrichment plans for all animals in the assigned realm.
• Maintain and improve high standards of animal welfare and behavior that meet or exceed all professional zoo and aquarium accreditation standards.
• Oversee the care and maintenance of all guest-facing displays and quarantine facilities.

Safety & Compliance

• Develop and maintain safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for guests, colleagues, and animals.

Team Leadership & Development

• Monitor the trainings and development of all colleagues in the section, evaluate their competency level, and ensure that all required certifications are acquired.
• Manage the schedules and task assignments of the team.
• Monitor the activities and performance of the team, identify areas for improvement, and communicate the necessary updates.

Animal Population & Programs

• Develop, update, and manage animal presentation behavioral plans and high-quality animal and guest interaction programs.
• Work with leadership on animal population management planning and initiatives.
• Participate in developing animal presentations' goals and objectives.
• Assist with the development of future attractions and interaction programs for the park.
• Oversee all animal presentation behaviors and work directly with the Guest Experience and Education department on operational needs.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Collaborate with leadership, other sections of Zoological, and other departments regarding the status of animals, shows, programs, or presentation.

Budget & Operations

• Assist leadership on the section's budget, operating, and capital expenses.

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, related to the Zoological field including animal behavior or natural sciences.
• 7 years of animal husbandry and behavioral experience in a zoological facility.
• 3 years of experience in a Zoological leadership position.
• 3 years of professional experience working with marine mammals.

Desirable

• Master's degree in behavioral, zoological, or natural sciences.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Thorough knowledge of professional zoo and aquarium, animal behavior, and conservation communities.