Director, Lester E. Fisher Center For The Study And Conservation Of Apes

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

The Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes is located within the Regenstein Center for African Apes, a world-class facility that features dynamic habitats for chimpanzees and gorillas. The center’s mission is to conduct multidisciplinary research that advances the knowledge of ape behavior and biology, improve the care and management of apes in human care, and conserve and protect wild chimpanzee and gorilla populations. The successful appointee will report directly to the Vice President of Conservation and Science. They will administer and coordinate the center’s research projects and programs by planning, developing, and organizing independent research with non-human primates, with a specific focus on apes. Additionally, they will work directly with our zoo scientist who co-directs the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project located in the Republic of Congo, collaborate with other primate researchers, seek opportunities for both internal and external collaborations, and maintain current relationships with conservation partners and donors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervises and provides support/leadership/mentorship to center’s staff to ensure staff have supervision and opportunities for professional growth.
• Designs, initiates, conducts, and manages research and conservation projects in own areas of interest and expertise.
  • Initiates and coordinates collaboration within the Conservation and Science department and among zoo staff.
  • Approves and oversees the center’s collaboration and projects with curatorial, veterinary and animal care staff.
  • Supervises and provides support/leadership/mentorship to center’s staff to ensure staff have supervision and opportunities for professional growth.
  
  
• Approves and oversees the center’s collaboration and projects with curatorial, veterinary and animal care staff.
• Promotes the center’s activities within and outside the zoo and assists the zoo’s development department in obtaining support for the center’s initiatives.
• Initiates and coordinates collaboration within the Conservation and Science department and among zoo staff.
• Serves as the senior administrator for the center by establishing, implementing and overseeing the programmatic vision for the center, including budget oversight and staff supervision.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Tasks also include dissemination of scientific research results through publication in peer reviewed journals or presentations at meetings; liaison to local, regional, national, and international organizations involved with primate research or conservation; participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) conservation programs and committees.
• Represents the center’s work and the zoo to external colleagues, collaborators, media, donors, etc.
• Advances the zoo’s mission by promoting, managing, coordinating and expanding the programs and activities of the center.
• Actively works to promote and enhance a culture of collaboration through trust and accountability.
• Tasks include identifying and establishing linkages to ape research projects and conservation programs outside the zoo and maintaining existing programs and collaborations.
• Other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to design studies, analyze, interpret and communicate results
• Exceptional written and verbal skills including ability to engage varying audiences in the work of the center
• Strong interpersonal, communication and conflict resolutions skills with the ability to create and maintain a productive work culture.
• Ability to be flexible, adaptable and act with professionalism and integrity.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in one or more areas of non-human primate biology.
• Applied knowledge of principals of research methods, animal behavioral observations, data collection and analysis.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Ph.D. with demonstrated knowledge and expertise in one or more areas of non-human primate biology.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Significant experience with, and publications from, ecology, behavior, or conservation of primates, particularly apes. Experience with field conservation efforts in Africa preferred. Excellent speaking and writing skills are essential.

Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify individual.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to sit for long periods of time

Ability to work in open office environment

Ability to traverse zoo grounds

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Willingness and availability for travel within and outside the United States, particularly to Africa and Asia. Available to work all necessary hours, including weekends, holidays, special events and all shifts

This is an on-site position with a Monday- Friday schedule. Ability for hybrid work (work from home) schedule may be discussed in consultation with manager

Annual TB test required

Must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.

Salary dependent upon experience, range $90K-100K/year