Description of Work ***Pay Grade - GN11, Recruitment Range - $42,780 - $52,000***

Department Information: The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' (DNCR) vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Our mission is to improve quality of life by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature throughout North Carolina. The Department works to stimulate learning, inspire creativity, preserve the state's history, conserve the state's natural heritage, encourage recreation and cultural tourism, and promote economic development. Our goal is to promote equity and inclusion among our employees and our programming to reflect and celebrate our state's diverse population, culture, and history by expanding engagement with diverse individuals and communities. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit: The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all of North Carolina's citizens and visitors to the zoo. The mission of the zoo is to encourage the understanding of and commitment to the conservation of the world's wildlife and wild places through the recognition of the interdependence of people and nature. The Zoo displays, conserves and protects representative examples of natural beauty, plant and animal species and ecological features of the North American and African regions of the world through the presentation of live animal exhibits from these regions. Primary Purpose of the Section Responsible for scientific research and field conservation programs. Conducts and develops on-site research on animal health and behavior, visitor experience, and education, including oversight of research by outside institutions and agencies. Initiates and participates in multi-institutional science, conservation, management and research programs. Promotes the zoo's conservation mission by actively engaging in field conservation programs in North Carolina and internationally independently and in partnership with other organizations. Serves as institutional liaison with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) conservation and science programs, international conservation organizations.

Primary Purpose of the Position: The North Carolina Zoo seeks a dynamic, motivated and progressive individual to oversee zoo-based research activities as part of the Conservation, Education and Science Department. The position has responsibility for coordinating zoo animal welfare research and monitoring, conducting original research at the zoo, for coordinating and tracking the work of outside researchers, overseeing the zoo's Research Committee, administering the zoo's research internship program in collaboration with North Carolina State University, working with undergraduate and graduate students, and for communicating the NC Zoo's research work both internally and to a wide range of external audiences. Research at the zoo requires partnering with staff from across the institution on topics including (but not limited to) animal welfare, evaluation of behavioral enrichment, visitor studies, effectiveness of marketing strategies, evaluation of education programs, and others. The Associate Curator of Research works closely with the Curator of Conservation and Research to ensure that research conducted at the zoo meets accepted scientific standards and that research outcomes can inform zoo operations and support the zoo's mission. The position also works closely with the zoo's Curator of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Management to develop a comprehensive, science-based program to assess and adaptively improve animal management. The position is responsible for fundraising to support research at the zoo (both through grant applications and working with the North Carolina Zoological Society), broadly communicating findings both internally and externally through written articles, social media, and outreach, and assisting with education programming related to research. The position requires regular contact with other sections of the zoo, the Zoological Society, research staff at other zoos, and students and researchers from universities. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general guidance of the Curator of Conservation and Research. Position mostly requires weekday work with some weekend and holiday work as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies **To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.**

The position calls for training, knowledge, and expertise in scientific research with a strong background in animal welfare, and knowledge of visitor studies and/or education evaluation.

Qualified candidate must possess:

Considerable working experience in the design and implementation of scientific research on the topics of animal welfare, animal behavior and other associated areas, including statistical analysis, ideally in a zoo or related setting. Must demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of wildlife sciences, animal welfare, animal behavior or comparative psychology, enrichment, animal husbandry, conservation, and data management. Must be flexible and comfortable working on several tasks at once, both independently and with colleagues. It is essential the applicant be capable of conducting research and supervising college students with a high level of independence. Working experience with visitor studies and education evaluation is an asset. A high level of proficiency in oral and written communication is required. Full knowledge and demonstrated skills with scientific and popular writing is required. Ability to direct, manage and evaluate the work of graduate and undergraduate students. Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies, both within and outside the institution. Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures. Must be able to establish and maintain positive collaborative working relationships with university partners, peers, support staff, volunteers, students, and the public. Must be able to converse and present lectures on topics in areas of expertise to the public and professionally, including strong public speaking skills; ability to travel on zoo business and work flexible hours including occasional weekends.

Management Prefers - ****Experience with social science research and education is preferred. ****Experience within a zoo setting is highly preferred. ****PhD in biological science or relevant field is strongly preferred. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Graduation from a four-year college/university with a degree in biology, zoology, or a science curriculum related to the area of expertise and two years of experience in specialty area; a master's degree in natural science area may be substituted for experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum Education and Experience for a Trainee Appointment - Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in biology, zoology, botany, or other natural science curriculum related to the area of assignment.

Supplemental and Contact Information The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or political influence.

Please be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit. "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted. Resumes and cover letters are highly encouraged but not required.

Transcripts: Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions and a copy of your transcripts indicating the degree received must be uploaded with your application.

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application.

To obtain veterans preference, you must scan and upload a copy of your DD-214 or discharge orders.

Technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627.

Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax. Please call the human resources office for assistance.

If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 – 8 weeks.

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

CONTACT INFORMATION: N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of Human Resources 4603 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4603 Phone: 919-814-6670