Mandai Wildlife Group is the steward of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a unique wildlife and nature destination in Singapore that is home to world-renown wildlife parks which connect visitors to the fascinating world of wildlife. The Group is driving an exciting rejuvenation plan at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, adjacent to Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve, that will integrate five wildlife parks with distinctive nature-based experiences, green public spaces and an eco-friendly resort.
We are seeking a self-driven and energetic individual to join the leadership team of the Animal Behaviour & Programmes (ABP) Department. Reporting to the Vice President, the candidate will play a pivotal role in overseeing and shaping the organisation’s operational excellence in the realm of animal behaviour and engaging programmes for our visitors to deliver the organisation’s purpose.
This leadership position requires both a strategic and hands-on approach to the development of meaningful animal programmes, high level of care and animal welfare aligned with industry best practices and the managing of the operations team.
The role will cover the following areas:
Operations & Administration
· Assist the VP in managing the daily operations of the ABP department and related administrative tasks including hiring and overseeing of staff, schedules, budget, etc.
· Be visible and available to respond quickly to situations involving animal health, safety issues, and show management concerns.
· Maintain regular communication with Managers/Supervisors and to monitor policies and procedures and ensure written procedure are maintained and carried out accordingly.
Animal Programmes & Presentations
· Maintain high quality animal care and welfare standards for ABP animals participating in programmes, presentations, and visitor interactions.
· Develop new and innovative revenue-generating programmes and projects for ABP.
· Ensure integrated and appropriate theming across all presentations consistent with the purpose, vision and values of MWG.
· Utilizing the newly formed ABP Creative Team, monitor the quality of presentations and the effectiveness of educational messaging and entertainment to enhance visitor experience, increase awareness of conservation issues and stimulate behaviour change and post-visit action.
Animal Welfare Initiatives
· Champion animal welfare related initiatives at the organization-wide level under the Animal Welfare Scientific Advisory Group (AWSAG).
· Oversee the implementation and maintenance of high standards of animal welfare practices, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical guidelines via regular assessments and audits.
· Represent MWG in advocacy efforts to promote ethical animal handling practices and awareness about animal welfare issues within the zoo community at both regional and global platforms.
· Plan and coordinate accreditation audits with relevant regional zoological associations to maintain our accreditation status.
· Lead and/or collaborate with other departments in the design, conduct, analyses and dissemination of original animal welfare research that supports MWG’s animal welfare outcomes.
Animal Population Planning
· Lead the effort in developing and implementing population management strategies for species managed by the ABP department.
· Ensure alignment with MWG’s overall animal collection planning efforts as well as ensuring steady pipeline of ambassador animals for our programmes to deliver memorable wildlife experiences.
Training & People Development
· Provide training and develop staff to strengthen their behavioural management capabilities to enhance animal care, daily management, husbandry, medical care, presentations and socialization management.
· Assess and review staff’s levels of competency via the Animal Presentation Development Programme (APDP) with particular focus on the following areas: animal welfare, animal care, behavioural mangement, sound & light production and safe work procedures.
· Supervise and mentor staff in behavioural research efforts and oversee research interns, students, and volunteers
· Cultivate and build strong leadership capability in managers for succession planning.
Internal and External Collaborations
· Lead and participate in collaborative efforts with other departments, e.g. Animal Care, Veterinary Health, to enhance animal welfare, deliver outstanding guest experience and support research, conservation and education outcomes.
Any other ad-hoc duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
To qualify for this role, the candidate should have:
· At least 12 years of progressive experience in animal management, animal training with at least 3 years in a leadership role, ideally in an internationally accredited zoological institution, or conservation agency.
· Familiar with ZIMS, ZooMonitor (or equivalent animal behaviour monitoring software), R (or equivalent package for data manipulation, visualisation and analyses), Microsoft Office Suite, and Power BI.
· Proven track record of designing and implementing successful animal behavioural programmes.
· Passionate about animals and strong strategic acumen to drive impactful programmes and initiatives.
· Strong communication skills in managing professional animal trainers and presenters.
· Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with leaders and stakeholders at all levels.
Do write to us if you possess the passion for people and our business, a mindset to challenge the norm, excited to drive change with a strong resolve.
