Animal Care Supervisor - Animal Ambassadors (Full-Time)

Animal Care Supervisor - Animal Ambassadors

ZooTampa is looking to hire a full time Animal Care Supervisor to join our team! You will be responsible for supervising the daily functions of assigned Animal Department area(s). Performs diverse and skilled assignments related to the daily supervision of a variety of animals. Works closely with Animal Department leadership to carry out the functions and duties of the Animal Department. Responsible for ensuring Association of Zoo & Aquariums (AZA) accreditation as it relates to functional areas of responsibility.

Who We Are

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic animal exhibits in a lush, tropical garden setting. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country's most family-friendly zoos.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!

Your day to day

Essential Functions (including but not limited to)

• Supervises assignments related to the daily care of the collection for a variety of animals.
• Responsible for proper and safe use and maintenance of all equipment and tools. Secures and monitors equipment and tools to ensure that only trained or certified employees have access for use. Maintains safe equipment use and ensures proper PPE use within the department. Instills the importance of safe use of equipment to and tools to subordinates on a daily basis.
• Under the direction of the Associate Curator or Curator, assists with mentoring, training, scheduling, safety, development and performance management of subordinates. Reports general human resource needs of subordinates to management prior to taking action.
• Establishes and maintains efficient work routines in all areas of responsibility that meet or exceed industry standards and regulatory agency requirements.
• Inspects assigned areas of responsibility daily at beginning and end of shift and reports animal illnesses, abnormal behavior and unsafe conditions promptly to appropriate Animal Department staff (including the staff Veterinarian).
• Submits daily keeper reports and takes charge of the Animal Department operations as required in absence and upon the request of the Animal Department leadership.
• Keeps detailed, accurate records of all animals within assigned areas. Generates written and verbal reports as needed. Under the direction of the Senior Curators, and/or Curators/Associate Curators, write articles for publication.
• Works with Animal Department leadership to support successful selective breeding of animal collection.
• Assists in habitat planning, construction and supervision of construction relating to assigned areas of concern.
• Inspects Zoo grounds and animal housing facilities daily for cleanliness and safety and checks animal habitats and enclosures for security and other conditions.
• Assists in relocating animals as instructed; patrols Zoo areas to enforce Zoo rules and regulations; stops mistreatment of animals and destruction of Zoo property; and answers questions of Zoo visitors in a courteous and pleasant manner.
• Checks animals showing signs of illness, peculiarities in appearance, gait or motion and reports to Senior Curators, Curators, and/or Associate Curators for action; administers prescribed dosages of vitamins and medications when necessary; performs minor first aid and assists Vet Technician, Senior Curator, Curator, Associate Curator and/or Veterinarian in treating Zoo animals; moves, loads and unloads animals as required; drives vehicles to pick-up and deliver supplies and animals.
• Conducts guided tours as required.
• Respond to and assist manager in guiding the resolution of emergency situations (e.g., Code 1, 2, 3) within the Zoo.
• Guide subordinate co-workers on advanced procedures.
• Observe safety policies and procedures in regards to the use of Zoo equipment, materials, chemicals and vehicles.
• Act as point person during manager's absence.
• Coordinate activities between departments (photo shoots, etc.).
• Train staff as directed by Curator/Associate Curator.
• Requires demonstrated willingness and ability to perform additional responsibilities or assigned roles in designated area(s) or in support of the Zoo as whole.
• Support media relations as needed, including but not limited to assisting with interviews, press releases, and media requests.
• Assist with external programs as needed, including SAFE initiatives, SSP programs, and other local, national, or global conservation efforts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What are we looking for?

• A Bachelor or Associate degree in biology, vertebrate zoology, the natural science or related field or equivalent specialized training is preferred.
• A minimum of three years of working experience in an AZA accredited zoological setting preferred.
• Working knowledge of the behaviors, diets, breeding habits and custodial care of a variety of native, exotic and domestic animals.
• Working knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
• Working knowledge of specific animals' custodial and feeding requirements and regulatory and industry standards of care.
• Working knowledge of minor maintenance skills.
• Employee must be able to effectively interact with all audiences.
• Skills in team building and personnel management, emphasizing leadership.
• Animal Care Supervisors may be cross-trained and assigned to support more than one area. Those assigned to Aquatics or Manatees must be SCUBA and First-Aid Certification Certified. Animal Care Supervisors assigned to areas requiring other special skills must be able to be trained in or otherwise demonstrate those skills (e.g., venomous reptile care).
• Knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software.
• Must have good written and oral communication skills and ability to effectively participate in guest engagement activities.
• Must be self-motivated and goal-oriented.
• Must be able to maintain discretion with confidential information.
• Strong understanding of animal training through the use of operant and classical conditioning.
• Thorough knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention.
• Advanced knowledge of husbandry requirements.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with members of all departments and to work effectively alone and in group setting.
• Ability to complete projects in a reasonable time frame to the satisfaction of management.
• Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors and the general public even under difficult circumstances.
• Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public, peers and management.
• Capacity to anticipate: ability to think ahead and plan.
• Capacity to change: ability to identify and correct operational problems quickly.
• Must be able to think logically and solve problems with minimal guidance.

Other Requirements

• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
• Possess visual, hearing and other sensory and cognitive capacity appropriate for animal care and general safety practices.
• Ability to use radio, telephone and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking, and to engage in physical labor (raking, sweeping, shoveling).
• Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough terrain on foot and by vehicle.
• Must be able to safely and effectively engage in heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds).
• Ability to work long hours and varying shifts, including nights and week-end, to support special events and the needs of the collection.

Our Perks at ZooTampa

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance options.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a 4% company match
• Generous PTO (Vacation and Wellness time)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children''s Museum and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• Discounted gym membership
• And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace