Animal Care Supervisor (Zoological Supervisor 1) - Apes

Zoo Miami is currently has a full time Animal Care Supervisor (Zoological Supervisor 1) position available to assist with the supervision of our Apes team. We are searching for a team-oriented candidate that will be engaging and deliver exceptional customer service by creating friendly and positive interactions with all guests and co-workers. 

• This position reports directly to the Assistant Curator of Apes.
• This team works with a variety of apes such as Western lowland gorillas, Bornean orangutans, chimpanzees, siamang’s, and Northern white-cheeked gibbons, as well as black and white ruffed lemurs.

Responsibilities/duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provides overall daily care, maintenance and inspection of assigned exhibit areas, holding areas, equipment and related public areas to ensure animal health and safety, staff safety, and public safety through standard operating procedures for animal care and exhibition as set forth by AZA, USDA and Zoo Miami; supervises Zoo Miami Keeper Aides and acts as mentor to keepers; supervises staff in the absence of the Supervisor (Zoological Supervisor 2).
• Performs daily inspections of assigned animals to check for changes in behavior, diet, sickness, reproductive status, etc. as well as their on and off-exhibit enclosures; removes harmful foreign objects from exhibit areas; shifts and secures animals on and off exhibit; depending on nature of exhibit, cleans, rakes, scrubs, and applies any necessary sterilizing agents; performs scientific observations such as recording weights, measuring fecal output, and other measures for evaluation purposes; assists in the performance of specialized animal care, including baby and immature animal care; participates in the rendering of medical care as directed by a professional veterinary superior; assists in blood draws; assists in administering medication; assists in capturing, crating and transporting animals; coordinates, prepares and observes animal introductions as directed; assists with animal handling for use in shows or presentations; prepares daily written and electronic reports to supervisor on any changes in behavior, diet, sickness, reproductive status, etc.; prepares diets and feeds at animal exhibits as directed by the Zoo Nutritionist; inspects prepared animal food for correct portions and proper balance of ingredients and additives; ensures food preparation area is clean, disinfected and properly sanitized as set forth by AZA, USDA, and Zoo Miami. Complete standard operating procedures as well as provide coverage and leadership for the front line on a daily basis.
• Reviews and approves tasks of the enrichment liaison; writes, reviews, approves and presents for approval animal operant conditioning/behavior and enrichment plans; conducts animal operant conditioning/behavioral sessions, conditions new behaviors; assists with coordinating and implementing research and conservation initiatives of best practices in animal management and reproduction.
• Ensures team compliance in following all guidelines, SOP’s and curricula related to animal wellbeing set forth by the Wellbeing, Enrichment, and Behavior Team.
• Follows and mentors team on AZA and Zoo Miami standards related to animal wellbeing assessments and record keeping.
• Writes, directs and delivers fun, interactive guest engagement through public keeper talks and tours and/or impromptu interactions on the public walkway; authorizes zoo staff and volunteers to handle ambassador animals for guest engagement.
• Serves as the training and internship/volunteer liaison; assists in the coordination of special projects and work to be performed in their zone, such as research and educational projects; supervises and assists the primary trainer in conducting employee training for new or existing Animal Science staff; assist in evaluating and rating of employee performance; assists in making recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, and promotion of subordinates; assists in the scheduling of daily work routines of subordinate animal care employees.
• Performs minor maintenance and repairs on enclosures, equipment and exhibit furnishings; prepares requisitions for equipment and supplies for approval; assists in the processing of all animal transaction invoices (purchases and shipments); serves as the lead for exhibit design and construction/maintenance for projects; assists with compiling necessary material supply lists; responsible for lock inspections, lubrication and primary security of containment areas; assists as required with care and maintenance of botanical collection at assigned exhibit areas and related public areas; makes recommendations for plantings suitable for animal browse and enrichment; prepares and maintains appropriate substrate levels for exhibits and exhibit holding areas.
• Responds to emergency situations and natural disasters such as animal escapes, injuries, wildfires, and hurricanes in accordance to established operating procedures.
• Performs related work as required which may include completing tests, attending meetings, workshops, etc.; eligible to serve and/or represent Zoo Miami in the following capacities:
• AZA Animal Program Leader
• Taxonomy Advisory Group (TAG) Steering Committee member
• Steering Committees                                                                                                      
• May participate on the weapons team
• Animal Management conferences
• Taxonomy Advisory Group
• Species Survival Plan                                                                               
• AZA Animal Programs  as an Institutional Representative (IR) or Program Leader          

Experience Required

• Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED. Four years of experience with mammals, reptiles and/or birds in a zoological park or related facility to include one year of supervisory experience are required.
• Coursework in Zoology, Biology, Ecology or related field may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two years. Must possess a Driver license.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field and minimum of three years of experience managing animals in operant conditioning programs, extensive knowledge of behavior based enrichment application, and supervising and training staff in the daily application of positive reinforcement training is highly preferred.

Perks

• This is a full time position with excellent benefits with Miami-Dade County.

Salary

• $57,108.39 - $100,982.83