In this article, we’ll look at the best practices for onboarding your new Zoo Manager. We’ll look at the employee onboarding process/steps you can add to your own reusable Zoo Manager checklist.
Need help with onboarding new Management team members? See the templates and resources we recommend for successful onboarding experiences.
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Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Zoo Manager starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Management onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Zoo Manager, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Zoo Manager onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
1. Introduction to the company: The new Zoo Manager should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated company representative.
2. Familiarization with zoo operations: The new Zoo Manager should receive a detailed overview of the zoo’s daily operations, including animal care, visitor services, maintenance, and administrative tasks. This task is usually performed by the outgoing Zoo Manager or a senior member of the management team.
3. Review of policies and procedures: The new Zoo Manager should be given a thorough review of the zoo’s policies and procedures, including safety protocols, animal welfare guidelines, emergency response plans, and employee code of conduct. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated trainer.
4. Introduction to key personnel: The new Zoo Manager should be introduced to key personnel across various departments, including animal keepers, veterinarians, educators, maintenance staff, and administrative personnel. This task is usually performed by the outgoing Zoo Manager or a senior member of the management team.
5. Training on animal care and welfare: The new Zoo Manager should receive training on animal care and welfare practices, including feeding, enrichment, veterinary care, and behavioral management. This task is typically performed by experienced animal keepers or the zoo’s veterinarian.
6. Familiarization with exhibits and species: The new Zoo Manager should be given a tour of the zoo’s exhibits and introduced to the various species housed within them. This task is usually performed by experienced animal keepers or the outgoing Zoo Manager.
7. Budget and financial management training: The new Zoo Manager should receive training on budgeting, financial management, and reporting procedures to ensure they can effectively manage the zoo’s financial resources. This task is typically performed by the zoo’s finance department or a designated trainer.
8. Introduction to marketing and public relations: The new Zoo Manager should be introduced to the zoo’s marketing and public relations strategies, including advertising campaigns, social media presence, and community outreach programs. This task is typically performed by the zoo’s marketing or public relations department.
9. Review of regulatory requirements: The new Zoo Manager should be provided with an overview of the regulatory requirements and permits necessary for operating a zoo, including animal welfare regulations, safety standards, and environmental compliance. This task is typically performed by the zoo’s legal department or a designated compliance officer.
10. Introduction to technology systems: The new Zoo Manager should receive training on the zoo’s technology systems, including point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and animal record-keeping databases. This task is typically performed by the zoo’s IT department or a designated trainer.
11. Review of employee management processes: The new Zoo Manager should be familiarized with the zoo’s employee management processes, including recruitment, hiring, training, performance evaluations, and disciplinary procedures. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated trainer.
12. Introduction to strategic planning: The new Zoo Manager should be introduced to the zoo’s strategic planning process, including long-term goals, expansion plans, and community engagement initiatives. This task is typically performed by the zoo’s senior management team or the outgoing Zoo Manager.
13. Health and safety training: The new Zoo Manager should receive comprehensive health and safety training, including protocols for handling hazardous materials, emergency response procedures, and first aid training. This task is typically performed by the zoo’s safety officer or a designated trainer.
14. Familiarization with local regulations and permits: The new Zoo Manager should be provided with information on local regulations and permits specific to operating a zoo in the area, including zoning requirements, permits for animal imports/exports, and waste management regulations. This task is typically performed by the zoo’s legal department or a designated compliance officer.
15. Introduction to professional networks and associations: The new Zoo Manager should be introduced to relevant professional networks and associations in the zoo industry, such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), to foster connections and stay updated on industry best practices. This task is typically performed by the zoo’s senior management team or the outgoing Zoo Manager
From reading through the items in the example Zoo Manager checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Zoo Manager up to speed and working well in your Management team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.
