Bird Supervisor

Facility

Fort Worth Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Summary:
This position is responsible for supervising, monitoring and performing husbandry within a specific animal area within the Animal Collections Department; supervising the keeper staff assigned to that area; and coordinating activities with other departments within Animal Programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Supervise and plan the work of staff responsible for the direct maintenance and care of a variety of animals within the Zoo
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for both the collection and staff
• Supervise, direct and participate in the feeding and watering of animals in and around existing quarters; clean, inspect, sanitize, and maintain and repair animal quarters
• Train assigned employees, interns and volunteers in their areas of work including zoo keeping and animal care methods, procedures, techniques and professional conduct
• Monitor the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications
• Supervise the administration of animal diet directives from Nutrition Department; clean and maintain food storage containers
• Maintain adequate records on daily activities; observe animal behavior for signs of illness, weight loss/gain or injury; report any signs of illness or injury to curator; assist veterinarians in minor operations or related activity as needed
• Supervise and implement approved animal training and enrichment projects in the area
• Supervise and participate in the implementation of approved research projects
• Lead and participate in regular staff meetings
• Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment
• Supervise and perform various maintenance and repair activities on animal quarters and aquariums; operate various motors, pumps, and animal cleaning equipment
• Oversee and assist in the training and enrichment of assigned animals
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner
• Present keeper talks to park visitors and media as needed
• Ensure and supervise the proper restraint, crating, moving and uncrating of animals
• Properly maintain life support systems and monitor functions, inspect animal equipment and facilities, report for maintenance as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:
• Demonstrate leadership of employees through ongoing training to include applicable laws, Zoo policies, business conduct and ethics and the provision of quality services to guests and employees supporting the highest level of program integrity.
• Exercise supervision over assigned zoo keeping staff, interns and volunteers for all areas of collection care and professional conduct
• Participate in the selection, hiring, training and evaluation of staff
• Monitor the work environment of staff, participate in the review and implementation of disciplinary action as needed with the Curatorial and Human Resources staff
• Schedule staff; maintain up to date standard operation procedure for assigned areas
• Ensure safe working environment for staff and animals
• Demonstrates leadership of employees through ongoing training to include applicable laws, zoo policies, business conduct and ethics and the provision of quality services to guests and employees supporting the highest level of program integrity

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
Must possess ability to:
• Independently perform the most difficult animal care and handling duties
• Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures
• Work independently in the absence of immediate supervision
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Maintain mental capacity which permits making sound decisions and using good judgment, prioritizing work activities
• Foster and maintain a cohesive team environment

Education and/or Experience:
• Must have 3 years of increasingly responsible zoo keeping experience; minimum of 1-year supervisory experience preferred
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Bachelors degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology or related field preferred
• Specialized training in zoology or a related field desirable but not required
• Some taxa related expertise or experience may be assigned to certain categories (venomous reptile experience, experience with incubators or hand rearing)

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or or move 50 pounds, sometimes up to 75 pounds with assistance.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Team oriented environment
• Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold and inclement weather
• Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions
• Exposure to chemicals (cleaning, water chemicals, additives, etc.)
• Ability to work special events and functions as required

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits