The Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) is seeking a Hospital Operations Manager to help lead the Veterinary Services Department at Brookfield Zoo. The zoo supports a philosophy of proactive, preventative medical care for its 2500+ residents, combined with the highest level of care for ill animals. Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for cutting-edge animal care and wildlife conservation that continues today.

This position oversees all aspects of daily hospital operations within the zoo's 20,000 sq ft animal hospital. The facility is well equipment with digital radiography, digital dental, high-end ultrasound, rigid and flexible endoscopy, multi-parameter anesthetic monitors, intensive care equipment, comprehensive surgical tools, and an in-house CT scanner. The hospital also maintains a full in-house clinical pathology laboratory and full pharmacy.

This position reports to the Vice President of Clinical Medicine and manages a staff of seven veterinary technicians, one laboratory technician, and an administrative assistant. The hospital manager works closely with a team of five veterinarians to maintain a high level of medical care for the zoo's animal collection. The veterinary department places a high value on teamwork and communication with the zoo's animal care staff. The hospital manager plays a major role in maintaining this team focus on internal customer service.

The Hospital Operations Manager provides supervision, oversight and support for the day-to-day operation of the Animal Hospital which contributes to the Chicago Zoological Society's Center of Excellence in Animal Welfare.

The primary duties for this position include: Manages assigned staff, including hiring and selection, scheduling and job assignments, performance evaluations and coaching/mentoring, goal assignment and tracking, employee morale and team-building, recognition, disciplinary actions and separations. Coordinates and oversees continuing education and staff development; tracks licensures. Manages payroll functions for all hourly hospital staff. Ensures compliance of department operations with regulatory agencies including shipment of biological samples, controlled substances management, radiation safety, biomedical waste, and others. Works with Vice President of Clinical Medicine as needed to ensure compliance with United States Department of Agriculture regulations and Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation guidelines. Responsible for managing department budget and accounts, including development, reforecasts, purchase order creation, invoice processing, grant tracking, expense reports, gift-in-kind tracking, tracking of capital equipment, vendor selection, and contract management. Manages all aspects of physical facility maintenance (building interior and exterior) through coordination of work orders with the Society's Plant and Facilities department. Coordinates daily operations of pest control contract. Ensures proper functioning of all hospital medical equipment through oversight of maintenance contracts and service agreements, and coordination of technical support and repairs as needed. Manages medical image archives (PACS server) for all modalities (ultrasound, CT, radiography). Assists in the oversight of veterinary education programs; responds to and addresses student needs. Serves as primary liaison to college Veterinary Technology programs; oversees veterinary technician externship programs. Oversees patient tracking within the Society's preventive health program. Responsible for tracking routine parasitology testing. Indirectly manages other aspects of patient scheduling, appointment tracking, and shipment processes (pre-shipment testing, health certificates, quarantine scheduling). Maintains strong relationships with local and national veterinary organizations, local specialists, vendors, suppliers, and industry professionals. Coordinates events and presentations when possible. Coordinates hospital tours and special events as requested. Works with Advancement and Development department staffs as requested; conducts facility tours as needed. Maintains and facilitates a focus on customer service within the veterinary department in relations with Animal Programs and Society staff. Addresses communication concerns and procedural errors with staff. Orients new Animal Program staff to veterinary operations. Manages updates and distribution of Veterinary Services forms. Oversees coordination of prescription refills and supplies requests. Works closely with veterinarians to coordinate non-medical aspects of major medical procedures and care when needed. Actively participates in and supports employee survey participation and action planning. Encourages maximum survey participation, shares survey results with staff, and engages staff in developing and implementing actions to improve the workplace and survey results. Incorporates survey action planning into regular work group/department meetings on an ongoing basis. Serves as liaison with the Zoological Pathology Program; ensures sample submission, reporting, archival banks, and disposition are properly handled. Oversees hospital drug and medical supplies inventories. Responsible for ensuring adequate inventory levels to meet operating needs, while mitigating loss from product expiration. Searches for cost savings through vendor programs and coordination with Society's Development Department.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for the position include the following: Bachelor's degree in science (biology, zoology, or animal related field) or business management or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required. 10 years of directly relevant experience working in an animal hospital or equivalent setting, with five years of management experience required. Excellent prioritization and organizational skills, strong attention to detail and accuracy required. Strong interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills, and professionalism required. Ability to interface easily with all levels of staff within and outside the Society. Strong figure aptitude and/or prior budget management or accounting experience required. Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions. Effective personnel management skills; ability to effectively manage and motivate staff, resolve conflict, foster a strong team environment, and hold staff accountable. Must be able to work under pressure and meet critical deadlines. Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel required. Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Illinois driver's license required for Illinois residents within 90 days of hire. Valid license for out-of-state residents.

This is a full-time, salaried position, which occasionally requires work beyond the normal work day, work week, or on holidays. The desirable qualifications include the following: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) certification a plus. Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification or eligibility to obtain certification within three years of hiring preferred. Prior experience working in a zoo or with exotic animals a plus. Broad management skills or previous experience as a hospital manager strongly preferred. Relevant budgeting experience preferred. Previous experience working in a unionized environment preferred. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.

The Chicago Zoological Society is a VEVRAA federal contractor. We desire priority referrals of protected veterans. The Chicago Zoological Society located at 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 is the hiring location for the organization. The Human Resources contact person for the organization is Wendy Larsen, Director of Talent Acquisition, email: wendy.larsen@czs.org .