Position Summary

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Program Assistant, Animal Programs to support our Animal Programs team within the Conservation, Management, & Welfare Sciences (CMWS) department. This role maintains databases and prepares various departmental reports and communications. It serves as a key point of contact providing excellent member services and support to AZA groups, partners, and the general public. The position also works closely with multiple AZA committees, scientific advisory groups, and internal teams.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Director, Population Management Strategy. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Responsibilities

Manage AZA’s Animal Program Databases, including updating Animal Program related data, creating new program pages and forms, updating the Sustainability Database, and troubleshooting data related errors.
Maintaining current lists of Animal Program Officers and participants, such as Program Leaders, Institutional Liaisons, Institutional Representatives, and Advisors; This includes advertising and tracking vacancies, onboarding new participants in each of these roles, and validating individual member data/correcting errors in coordination with AZA Membership Department.
Monitor Animal Program Leader accountability, including processing extension requests and vetting, editing, and posting Animal Program documents to the departmental databases and AZA website.
Provide administrative support to the CMWS Department and related Committees, working groups, and task forces including revising and proofing documents, composing and distributing meeting minutes, drafting and distributing formal letters or emails, and scheduling meetings.
Compose and publish the monthly Animal Programs Update; relay pertinent information to Animal Program participants via emails and the AZA Network groups.
Work closely with the AZA Population Management Center to develop processes, track roles and assist in providing access for Animal Program participants and researchers in ZIMS for Studbooks.
Answer general inquiries related to AZA’s Animal Programs.
Develop and maintain SOPs for the department’s databases and processes including creation of virtual SOPs for relevant tasks.
Attend the AZA Mid-Year Meeting and Annual Conference and present programmatic updates and changes at the Animal Program and TAG Chairs meetings; act as a resource for Animal Program participants during conferences.
Process financial requests including all Dedicated Fund requests, Request for Payment from contractors, and fund payments as needed.
Keep resources and webpages relevant to Animal Programs current
Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED required
Bachelor’s degree and/or background in animal science, biology, environmental science, zoology, or other related field is preferred
Previous experience with zoos and aquariums is preferred

Skills and Abilities

Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize projects, and coordinate with others to provide deliverables on an agreed upon deadline
Ability to think critically and demonstrate time-management skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey scientific information clearly and concisely; effectively edit and proofread work
Strong computer literacy; experience with database management, Microsoft suite, internet resources, and experience with online databases a plus
Ability to work independently and efficiently
Professional, positive, and enthusiastic demeanor

The starting compensation range for this role is $45,900-$51,650. AZA considers a candidate’s previous experience, skills, education, and relevant qualifications, as well as internal consistency with salaries of current employees when making employment offers.

AZA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to health insurance options, life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. To encourage work/life balance, AZA also offers a variety of paid time off plans including vacation, sick, and personal time; holidays; and parental leave. AZA also offers hybrid work schedules and flexible work weeks for eligible positions. We regularly review our benefits to ensure they remain competitive and responsive to employee feedback.

AZA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic. We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,900.00 - $51,650.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Silver Spring, MD 20910

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

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