Director of Conservation, Education and Science (CES)

The North Carolina Zoo is hiring a Director of Conservation, Education, and Science to oversee research and education units. The role involves strategic direction for conservation programs, managing budgets, securing grants, and liaising with external institutions. Key responsibilities include leading scientific research, developing educational materials, and representing the Zoo in various professional contexts. The position is based in Asheboro, NC, and requires some physical capabilities and travel.
Description of Work

Please watch our video here that walks you through each step of the application process.

This position is located at:

4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205

Primary Purpose of this Position:

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking a self-motivated and team-oriented Director of Conservation, Education, and Science. This is a senior management position that oversees multiple research and education units within the Zoo. Reporting to and in collaboration with the Chief Mission Officer, the position sets priorities and provides strategic direction for the Conservation, Education, and Science (CES) section, ensuring integration of section activities with each other and with programs across the zoo. This position has responsibility for a wide range of duties related to planning, organizing, coordinating and overseeing all wildlife conservation field programs, scientific research and educational outreach conducted by the Zoo. The position ensures that all unit activities support and convey the conservation and education mission of the NC Zoo and the goals of DNCR. The Director of Conservation, Education and Science is also responsible for obtaining external grant funding and managing budgets. The position serves as rotating Manager on Duty for the Zoo, regularly having responsibility for oversight of all Zoo operations. The position coordinates CES activities with other zoo sections and serves as liaison with outside conservation, environmental and educational institutions on a local, national and international scale.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Leads, administers, and coordinates, directly and through subordinate curators and specialists, the programs and activities of programs of the North Carolina Zoo Conservation, Education and Science section.
• Conducts and oversees extensive and rigorous scientific research and/or field work in conservation biology, education and animal behavior.
• Contributes to zoo-wide strategic planning and represents the Zoo to other state agencies, federal agencies, educational institutions, professional and research organizations.
• Oversees development of interpretive material and education programs, ensuring that educational themes and content across the zoo (programs, signs, graphics, electronic media, etc.) convey the zoo’s mission, priority messages, and meet the educational goals of specific exhibit areas.
• Contributes to professional programs of the national zoo accrediting body (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and other professional organizations and bodies through active involvement and committee service.

Position/Physical Requirements:
• Able to lift 20 pounds regularly and 50lbs occasionally when traveling abroad.
• Ability to travel internationally, including long periods seated and living in rustic conditions
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.

Please visit our website at www.nczoo.org for more information.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Qualified candidates must have or be able to:
• Experience in conducting wildlife research in a field and/or zoo setting, including project design, implementation, evaluation and reporting.
• Experience conducting and/or leading field conservation projects.
• Experience with the theory and practice of formal and/or informal education.
• Experience with grant writing and/or fund raising.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution

AND

three (3) years of program experience

related to the area of assignment, including one year of supervisory program experience;

OR

or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental and Contact Information

Division Information:

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.
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.

Agency Description:

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR)takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s 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. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov . We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

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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, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.

We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

Application Process
Please watch our video here that walks you through each step of the application process.

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.

Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.

Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.

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 several weeks.

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.

Veteran’s and National Guard Preference

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.

Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Employment Eligibility It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR 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).

Sign On Bonus Eligibility

To be eligible for a sign-on bonus, the candidate must not have worked as a probationary, permanent, or time-limited employee in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system, subject to the State Human Resources Act.

NEOGOV Technical Assistance

If you are having technical issues logging into your account or applying for a position, please review the Get Help/FAQ's information on the website. If you are still experiencing technical issues with your application, please call the NEOGOV Help Line at 855-524-5627.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division of Human Resources

Cami Bunting

4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205
Phone: 336-879-7312

employment@dncr.nc.gov

NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.
For permanent and time-limited appointments:
Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.