We are currently in search of a motivated individual to take on the role as Team Lead over our Northwest Passage and Teton Trek areas. These areas are home to a wide variety of species including California Sea Lions, Polar Bear, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Elk, North American Porcupine and assorted avian species. This individual would be responsible for leading and assisting a team of zookeepers in the daily husbandry of these animals as it relates to the animals’ physiological and psychological well-being. Candidates for this position should be self-motivated, hard-working, positive and dependable. They should possess the skills to foster good team dynamics, with the ability to mentor others for success. They should also be innovative and driven to assist the team in setting and achieving goals.
Essential Functions:
- Actively participates in daily advanced animal husbandry for specific species.
- Assists in training and monitoring the performance of immediate work group. Provide feedback regarding hiring needs, selection and performance management of immediate work group.
- Facilitates exhibit needs and maintenance of assigned area including cleaning of habitats, scheduling regular maintenance and managing work crews in animal areas.
- Follows established standard operating procedures for animal care, food preparation, and clean up, including proper maintenance and sterilization of equipment.
- Supports daily enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage and evaluate natural and engaging behaviors.
- Implements and evaluates animal training programs when needed.
- Facilitates formal and informal public presentations to educate guests and provide positive guest experiences.
- Submits/tracks work tickets, assists with scheduling, communicates and partners with a variety of lines of business including the Research, Veterinary, Education and Operations teams.
- Participate with Zoo’s animal emergency response team.
- Participate as a driver for the Zoo.
Required Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Some college level coursework in the fields of Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, Psychology, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience working with animals in a zoological setting.
- Thorough knowledge of training/care techniques with a large variety of animals.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, Psychology, or a related field.
- Experience working with Sea Lions, Bears, and/or other large carnivores.
- At least (1) year experience serving in a similar supervisory role
Competencies:
- Written and oral communication proficiency.
- Proficient in MS Office, current technology and applications for communication, research and record keeping.
- Records and reports creation and management.
- Problem Solving/Analysis.
- Stress Management/Composure.
- Flexibility.
- Teamwork Orientation.
- Supervisory Responsibility: Assists Associate Curator with supervising all zookeepers within this area.
Reporting Structure:
- Reports to Associate Curator.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
- This is a full-time position that works a minimum of 40 hrs per week and regularly requires weekend/holiday work.
- This position is considered exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.
Work Environment:
- While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds).
- When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.
Physical Demands:
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- This position requires frequent sitting/standing/walking/bending/kneeling and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 50 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties:
- Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
- Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Other Requirements:
- 21 years or older.
- Clear background check.
- Clear drug screening.
- Clear TB screening.
- Valid driver's license.
- Clear MVR screening.
- Proof of current automobile insurance.
- Benefits & Perks
- The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.
EEOC and Inclusion Statement:
- The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve.
- World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
- We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
- The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer.
- Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
- If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
- The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
- All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening.
- Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.
- Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Salary
- $45,760 USD per year
