The North Carolina Zoo is seeking four (4) dynamic, team-oriented leaders as Zookeeper Supervisors. These supervisors will provide care for various species of animals in four areas of the NC Zoo. Asia mammals encompass Malayan tiger, Asian small-clawed otter, gibbon, and Warty pigs; These Zookeeper Supervisors, under the leadership of an assigned Zoological Manager, will be responsible for leading a dedicated team of keepers in daily activities that support zoo wide initiatives to improve animal health and welfare.
The responsibilities of this position include:
- Directs and coordinates activities for Zookeeper staff and facilities in respective areas to exceed AZA and USDA standards in animal care.
- Oversees behavioral management programs utilizing trust-based relationships, positive reinforcement training, and behavior-based enrichment.
- Develop staff in the areas of animal restraint and management strategies appropriate for the variety of species.
- Including the use of restraint devices and capture equipment.
- Leads the process to select and train new Zookeepers.
- Schedules, supervises, mentors, develops, and provides leadership for Zookeepers in the progressive evolution of animal management, husbandry, team development, and the operation and upkeep of facilities.
- Collaborates with the zoo's veterinary team to manage preventative health care, diet/nutrition, emergency procedures, and other health issues as they arise.
- Collaborates with the Zoo's Conservation, Education and Research department with ongoing studies into welfare and makes necessary improvements based on data resulting from those studies.
- Coordinates with the Zoo's horticulture and maintenance teams for the management of habitats and related facilities.
- Identifies and prioritizes animal care issues and problems and leads work unit staff in root cause identification and problem solving.
- Serves as key communications link with the Zoo's Zoological Managers, Curatorial Team, and Veterinary staff for information exchange and coordination.
- Assists Curators with collection planning and collection management.
- Coordinates management of breeding and rearing husbandry for animals in supervised work areas.
- Contributes to the planning and design of new animal exhibits and facilities.
- Performs animal care duties as needed
- Leads the process for regular evaluation of performance for assigned staff and is dedicated to developing team members through active mentorship, conflict resolution, development opportunities, and accountability.
- Collaborates with the Zoo's Animal Management Team which consists of, Curators, Zoological Managers, Animal Management Supervisors and Veterinary staff for the improvement of zoo wide programs in animal welfare, staff development, zoo operation and guest experience.
- Focused on developing a strong cohesive work unit that continually strives to improve animal welfare, behavior management, guest experience, and contribute to the overall understanding of animal populations and the in situ and ex situ needs of the species.
- Participates in and implements the NC Zoo Environmental Management System (EMS) program.
- May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed
Position/Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to work weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts as needed
- Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" requiring work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
- Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program due to potential exposure to zoonosis.
- Must have good physical agility, strength, vision, and hearing, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments.
- Such as walk, stand, see animals and habitats for observation and safety as well as hear animal's sounds, radio communication and emergency situations.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
- Must be able to achieve certifications in skills such as: marksmanship with 30.06 rifle, .375 rifle and 12-gauge shotgun, biannually for role on the Zoo’s Weapons Team.
- Must be able to capture, handle and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment.
- Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.
- Must be able to train and supervise Zookeepers in progressive behavior management, husbandry, problem solving, and critical thinking.
- Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with zoo staff and the public.
- Ability to conduct written and oral informal public presentations.
Experience Required
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:
- To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form.
- Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Qualified candidates must have or be able to:
- Considerable working experience managing wild animals to include deadly and/or dangerous animals in a Zoo or related facility.
- Considerable knowledge of industry standard husbandry techniques to include thorough working knowledge of biology, including animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, and safe practices around dangerous animals.
- Demonstrated leadership and/or supervisory skills in guiding, planning, organizing, and setting priorities for daily operation.
- Experienced in the assessment of an animal program for the improvements in animal management, and guest experience.
- Working knowledge of group dynamics, behavior management, and building a complex environment to meet the physical, emotional, and mental needs of the animals based in an understanding of animal’s natural history and behavior.
Management Preferences:
- Prefer progressive work experience working at an AZA accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
- Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.”
- If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.
- See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, natural sciences, or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution AND three years of progressive experience working in a zoo-based or related animal care facility; OR or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Perks
- https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits
Salary
- Recruitment Salary: $34,270 - $51,581
