If you are interested in this position, please apply on our website by 3/9/2026 at 11:59pm. Hello, we’re Metro! We strive to be an employer of choice by being human-centered, authentic and support a welcoming environment where all our employees can thrive.
- The Oregon Zoo is looking for a dynamic leader to supervise the Bird, Herp, and Small Mammal area in collaboration with the Animal Curator.
- The successful candidate needs to have a collaborative approach to zoo animal management and team leadership.
- In this role, you will oversee a great team of specialized professionals and assist with the management of daily operations for our area and the animals in our care.
- Animals in your purview will include but are not limited to slender-snouted crocodile, African spurred tortoise, Gekkonidae, crocodile monitor, red-bellied piranha, Passerines, Columbiformes, Spheniscidae, Phoenicopteridae, Anseriformes, spotted-necked otters, and naked mole-rats.
- As the Birds, Herp, and Small Mammal Area Supervisor you will:
- Supervise the work of staff; coordinate and monitor area operations such as daily tasks, area meetings, maintenance and repair needs, required safety training, and intensive scheduling management.
- Perform administrative functions including schedule adjustments utilizing shared resources; timekeeping updates/ corrections; input, tracking, and triaging work orders; dietary adjustments; environmental enrichment approval; and material purchase and distribution
- Inspect assigned area to ensure proper care and safety of animals, their quarters and facilities; problem solve if issues arise
- Lead and support staff in trainings, performance evaluations, strategic communication, team building and employee engagement efforts
- Maintain, review, or prepare documentation related to animal enrichment, welfare, and training.
- Maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) as current for all areas within purview via quarterly updates.
- Prepare and distribute agendas in advance of scheduled area and committee meetings. In addition to leading regular area meetings, collect feedback and drive enrichment evaluations, welfare audits, morning huddles, animal training plans, and progress towards attaining staff and team goals.
- Collaborate with other internal stakeholders to create, maintain, or provide guidance on Zoo-wide initiatives
- Collaborate with fellow Area Supervisors and Curators on scheduling, staffing, committee leadership, and to support other teams as needed
Attributes for success:
- Proven track record in the care, feeding, behavior, and hazards of working with herpetological species along with small mammals, birds and terrestrial invertebrates.
- Experience working safely and effectively with dangerous animals
- Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and methods of preventing spread
- Effective supervisory skills
- Ability to build positive, collaborative working relationships with peers and direct reports; ability to lead efforts that increase communication and teamwork
- Experience taking a leadership role on teams/committees
- Ability to listen actively, mediate conflicts and create a positive work environment
- Ability to exercise good judgement in evaluating situations and making decisive decisions.
- Ability to keep accurate records and prepare thorough reports
- Ability to collaborate effectively with peers, professional colleagues, zoo partners, and the public.
Diversity and Inclusion:
- At Metro, we strive to hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all our employees can thrive.
TO QUALIFY
- We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in the assigned program area or a related field AND
- Five years of progressively responsible experience related to the area of assignment AND
- Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities
- If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
- If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Like to have:
- You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position.
- Experience working with dangerous reptiles
- Experience creating protocols
- One year of supervisory experience of paid animal care professionals.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
- The Application Packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter addressing the following question: Collaboration is often essential in zoological settings, especially when working with various departments. Can you share an example of how you’ve successfully fostered collaboration among different teams to improve animal care or operational efficiency?
- The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
- Initial review of minimum qualifications
- In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
- Consideration of top candidates/interviews
- Testing/assessments (if applicable)
- Reference check
- Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON
- The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $86,988.86 to step 7: $116,572.71. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $86,988.86 to the equity range step 4: $ 100,700.05.
- This position is not eligible for overtime and is non-represented. It is classified as a Program Supervisor I.
- Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.
- Questions?
- Recruiter: Christina Rentas
- Email: Christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov
Salary
- step 1: $86,988.86 to step 7: $116,572.71
