Job Description:
Smithsonian’s National Zoo is seeking a Registrar to join our team.
The Zoo Registrar serves as a member of the animal management team, responsible for
maintaining the Zoo’s animal and biological records and permits according to industry and legal
standards, assisting in the development and implementation of the Zoo’s collections
management policies and plans.
The ideal candidate for this position will have a proven track record of responsibilities, including
managing animal records and related policies, validating the quality of recorded data and
ensuring the legal compliance of all animal transactions. This position reports to the Associate
Director, Animal Care Sciences.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervises registrar team and manages resources.
- Provides accurate, up-to- date animal records required for the design, development, modification
and implementation of short and long-range goals, plans for the animal collection, and animal
management policies and procedures. - Acts as a primary resource for animal collection and biomaterials inquiries from the staff,
docents, researchers, zoo professionals, and public. - Develops and implements quality control and quality assurance protocols for Zoo registry data
and data management systems. - Performs routine housekeeping functions for the animal records software systems, installs
upgrades, and researches and recommends installation of new records management technology
as appropriate. - Prepares an annual animal inventory of the collection, detailing changes from births, deaths,
acquisitions and dispositions. - Compiles and submits data necessary for studbooks, AZA accreditation, USDA inspections, and
requests from Species Survival Plans and Taxon Advisory Groups. - Monitors expiration dates, and obtains and/or renews all required USDA, US Fish and Wildlife
Service, State of Virginia and local permits and licenses for the ownership, importation,
transportation and exhibition of specific animals. - Drafts loan agreements with other zoos and monitors the status of animals on loan from and
loaned to the collection. - Drafts and manages Biomaterials Transfer Agreements with other zoo, institutions and non-zoo
researchers. - Manages and monitors animal and biomaterials transactions and coordinates with curatorial and
research staff to ensure legal compliance with local, state, federal and international laws,
government regulations and industry-specific standards. - Monitors status of legislation pertaining to exotic wildlife and transport procedures and
ensures compliance. - Trains staff in animal record keeping, records management and animal data standards
- Manages and maintains animal records systems, ensuring data quality, appropriate
retention, preservation, and accessibility. Maintains animal census data and core data within
a multi-format animal records system. - Reviews record-keeping and transaction procedures, recommends changes and implements
improvements. - Collaborates with Collection Managers and Keepers to maintain inventory control.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, and/or SKILLS
- 5 years related experience
- Degree from an accredited institution in natural science, biology, zoology, or a related field or an
equivalent combination of education and experience. - General knowledge of taxonomy, natural history, and animal husbandry.
- General knowledge of collection management principles.
- Knowledge of AZA cooperative animal management programs, such as studbooks, SSPs, TAGs,
etc. preferable. - Working knowledge of one or more zoological information managements systems currently in use
by the Zoos or other collection information systems used by natural history museums. - Knowledge of animal taxonomy, zoological nomenclature and animal husbandry terminology.
- Working knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of professional museum and zoo
registration methods and collection management standards. - Thorough working knowledge of federal, state and local permit and license requirements for the
ownership, importation, transportation and exhibition of exotic, endangered and wild animals.
Individuals interested in applying should send a cover letter and a CV to Brandie Smith,
Associate Director of Animal Care.
Brandie Smith
Associate Director of Animal Care
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
PO Box 37012 MRC 5508
Washington DC 20013- 7012