Animal Care Supervisor – Hoofstock/Ambassador Area
Are you passionate about?
…Providing exceptional care for animals?
…Saving wildlife and wild places?
…Inspiring guests to connect with nature and take action to impact the future of our world?
…Being part of a dynamic, growing zoo that welcomes diversity, equity, inclusion and personal contribution?
Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo.
Reid Park Zoo, located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona is a mid-sized, regional zoological garden caring for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world in lush, naturalistic habitats. With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is the co-leader of the Flamingo SAFE program to name a few recognitions. Attracting more than 500,000 guests annually, the Zoo is the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2025.
We are located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona. Stunning high desert valley vistas surrounded by four mountain ranges offer a year-round paradise for cyclists, hikers, bird-watchers and outdoor enthusiasts. Named the first UNESO City of Gastronomy dedicated in the United States, the City is a delight for foodies with a lively and developing dining, arts and cultural scene, and a lovely wine country just thirty minutes away. With the University of Arizona and its championship sports, top-notch medical facilities, and affordable housing, Tucson is a great place to bring the family and put down roots– a big city, yet with a comfortable, small-town feel.
Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking an Animal Care Supervisor.
Bachelor’s degree in biological science, animal or zoology related plus five years’ experience in animal care at an AZA accredited institution. This must include two years supervising Zoo Keepers. Alternatively, Associates degree with eight years’ experience including two years supervising Zoo Keepers.
The Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, advocate for and enhance the value of Reid Park Zoo and its mission to encourage commitment to the conservation of biological diversity and to provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages. Reid Park Zoo is the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona with approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan that will be investing over $60M in new exhibits over the next ten years.
No phone calls or visits please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.
Overview:
The Animal Care Supervisor is responsible for supervising, mentoring, and evaluating a team of Zoo Keepers. Supervisor will be responsible for overseeing several animal areas of the zoo and all associated records. At times this position may be involved in direct animal care and habitat enhancements. This position works collaboratively with the Veterinarian Team, Facilities, Events and Education Departments.
The Hoofstock area includes white rhinos, Grevy’s zebra, Speke’s gazelles, ostrich, leopard tortoise, crowned cranes, giraffe, meerkats, African spotted-necked otters and possibly others. In addition, this position will supervise the Animal Ambassador area that includes tamanduas, great horned owl, armadillo and other reptiles, mammals, amphibians and invertebrates. The team works closely for animal training and candidates that have experience training animals for hoof trims would be preferred. Animals are trained to voluntarily participate in their health care and therefore the Supervisor and keepers work closely with the vet team. Additionally, several of the habitats are large and require regular maintenance with skid steers and an excavator (which ideally the Supervisor is willing to assist the team with). All animals have a minimum of monthly welfare assessments and this position oversees direction from the group on changes to make for the animals (may be habitat enhancements, different training plans, novel enrichment, health related, or routine changes etc.).
Reports To: Animal Care Manager
Responsibilities:
Supervises, trains, schedules and mentors Zoo Keepers in their work. Direct reports may vary from 5-7 Zoo Keepers depending on the workload of the areas.
Oversees a subset of the collection animals with regards to wellness, health, training, enrichment, daily care and all related documentation.
Assist with collection planning. Reviews animal records and assists with animal transactions.
Conducts preventative maintenance and ensures safety in work areas.
Works collaboratively with the welfare committee, training & enrichment committee, education department, events team and safety team.
Completes all training as required. These may include but are not limited to job specific training, safety, zoonotic disease, blood borne pathogens, animal enrichment, animal training, conservation, Species Survival Plan (SSP), active shooter, DEI, radio protocol, CPR/ First Aid, hand tool usage and heavy equipment operation such as skid steer/ fork lift truck etc.
Delivers annual performance reviews for Zoo Keepers and provides work plan goals for the coming year. Provides timely feedback on performance throughout the year.
Participates in recruitment, selection and hiring decisions. Is involved in promotion and status changes and makes recommendations.
Supervises and schedules Zoo Keepers.
Trains and coaches Zoo Keepers and ensures compliance with safety policies and practices.
Participates in employee relations concerns in partnership with Human Resources and direct supervisor.
Coaches and mentors less experienced Zoo Keepers & provides development opportunities to increase depth and span of experience.
Completes 90-day reviews for new hire Zoo Keepers and creates a work plan with goals.
Comfortable with animal data software systems such as ZIMS and ZooMonitor
Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies
Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
Follows zoo safety protocols and procedures
Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
- 2 years supervising Zoo Keepers required.
- 5 years in animal care at an AZA accredited facility and bachelor’s degree – biological science related preferred. Alternatively, Associates degree plus 8 years’ experience.
- Expertise in hoof stock and ambassadors preferred.
- Experience working with a wide range of species a plus.
- Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.
- Valid and unrestricted driver’s license.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to take direction, constructive feedback and be quick to act or change direction as needed.
- Reliable and able to work to a schedule.
- Provide excellent customer service.
- Must be able to work outside and must be comfortable working in either cold or hot weather conditions.
- Must be able to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50+ lbs. on occasion), must be comfortable walking and standing for long periods of time.
- Must be able to work a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Dept.
