Assistant Animal Supervisor

Facility

Central Park Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

To supervise the daily operation of the CPZ Animal Department to ensure safe and proper implementation of established protocols for the management and care of the animal collection, exhibits, and associated animal facilities and service areas.

1. Supervise and implement compliance with all government regulations as they apply to the operation of the animal department and the care and welfare of the animal collection.

2. Instruct and assign subordinate animal department employees and interns in the various duties essential to safe and proper care of the animal collection including implementation of established protocols for care of the animals, exhibits, and associated animal facilities and service areas. Explain and train staff in changes to procedures and protocols and the use of new equipment. Provide broad guidance and on-the-job training to subordinates.

3. Serve as acting Animal Supervisor in his or her absence.

4. Inspect Animal Department facilities to assure that established maintenance and management standards are met.

5. Coordinate the care of sick or injured animals following the instructions of the Veterinarian.

6. Maintain adequate inventories of all supplies, equipment and animal foods necessary to
the operation of the Animal Department.

7. Ensure that daily activities and events within the animal collection and the Animal Department are recorded and reported to the curatorial staff in the prescribed manner.

8. Supervise and assist in all animal transfers and maintain appropriate records and reports; may involve transportation of animal to airport or other destinations. Prepare daily reports.

9. Ensure the humane treatment and welfare for all animals in the collection in accordance with prescribed policies and procedures.

10. Assist the supervisors and Curatorial staff in creating and reviewing SOP’s as well as protocols for management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits and associated animal facilities to ensure the welfare of the animals.

11. Assist the supervisors and Curatorial staff in creating procedures and protocols to assess and document the welfare of the animals in the collection.

12. Supervise procedures which are not defined by established protocols including non-routine manipulation of animals or specialized maintenance of animal facilities.

13. Provide leadership in management and assessment of the zoo’s behavioral training program to assist animal care and enhance welfare. Provide knowledge, leadership and skills in creating, implementing, and assessing behavior goals and training plans. Provide leadership to teach these skills to other staff members and to ensure compliance with approved training plans.

14. Provide leadership in management and assessment of the zoo’s enrichment program to
enhance animal welfare. Provide, knowledge, leadership and skills in development, documentation and assessment of enrichment plans in accordance with WCS, AZ.A, and USDA standards and expectations. Provide leadership to teach these skills to other staff members and to ensure compliance with approved enrichment plans.

15. Take a lead role in animal handling and safe animal restraint as assigned by Supervisor, Collections Manager and Curator. Teach skills to other staff as assigned.

16. Enforce the Central Park Zoo’s visitor rules and regulations and provide exceptional guest service to the general public.

Qualification Requirements :
A Bachelor’s degree with a major in biology or a related field and two years of relevant,
supervisory level experience. At least five years experience in a zoo environment with a track
record of increasing responsibility. A valid driver’s license is preferred.

1. Ability to obtain a firearms license and participate as a member of the Central Park Zoo
Emergency Response Team, participate in WCS-organized firearms training and practice.

2. Ability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings and special events as the
schedule demands.

3. Ability to represent WCS in a professional manner and to establish and maintain positive,
effective working relationships with employees, colleagues, City and other government
agencies, outside contractors, and the general public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position requires work in office environments as well as outdoor work in all weather conditions. Tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools (e.g. drill, wire cutters, computer keyboard) and operate equipment. Some tasks require climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.

EOE/ AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits