Facility

Memphis Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

The Memphis Zoo is seeking a progressive, positive, and enthusiastic person to serve as team leader. Under the direction of the Curator and Assistant Curator of the West Zone, this full-time position will provide direction to and will serve as a motivating member of the West Zone’s Cat Country and Zambezi River Hippo Camp (CC/ZRHC) animal care staff. While the primary focus will be on Cat Country and Zambezi River Hippo Camp, this individual will also cross-train to provide oversight for Once Upon a Farm, Round Barn, Penguins, Pelicans, Tropical Bird House, and Hatchery to cover off days for other supervisors as needed.

The Team Leader is responsible for the day-to-day husbandry and maintenance of the CC/ZRHC facilities/animals and will assist the Curator and Assistant Curator with the following tasks, as assigned: hire and supervise staff, deliver daily work assignments, and evaluate performance; organize teams for special projects and track progress until successful completion; assist in maintenance of animal records; assist in developing weekly area schedule;organize and implement shipping and receiving of CC/ZRHC animals; present reports; participate in and supervise the execution of conservation and research projects; provide information and education to Zoo visitors, members, and donors; and other duties as assigned to lead the CC/ZRHC staff to excellence and support the Memphis Zoo.

Education and Pre-requisites

This position requires: excellent interpersonal and professional skills as well as time management skills; strong verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to effectively engage and motivate others in high quality work; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; competency with current technology commonly used in a zoo setting; the ability to work various shifts and to work indoors or outdoors in various weather conditions; motivation to help lead the Memphis Zoo CC/ZRHC staff to world-class status.

Required Experience: This position requires: a B.S. degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Science or a related field; significant experience with a variety of wildlife including “class one” (dangerous) species. Preference for experience with species that are in the CC/ZRHC collection; significant experience in animal enrichment and operant conditioning. We will consider the equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The CC/ZRHC collection currently includes the following species: Nile Hippos, Nile crocodiles, flamingos, okapi, nyala, yellow-backed duiker, Mandrills, various fish, and African birds, African lions, tigers, red pandas, jaguar, leopard, snow leopard, cougars, ocelot, caracal cheetahs, capybara, and meerkats.

Qualification continued:
*Must be able to harmoniously work as a West Zone team member, and as a member of the Memphis Zoo.
*When possible, participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences aimed at improving knowledge and professional development.
*Must demonstrate computer proficiency for record keeping and daily communication.
*Ability to use power tools and carpentry skills are a plus.
*Support and implement area policies, procedures, and protocol.
*Ability to supervise interns and volunteers working within the area.
*Must be dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays.
*This position requires working in all kinds of weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, and cold.
It also requires physical exertion such as climbing, reaching, assuming awkward positions, repetitive motions, and lifting/moving heavy objects up to 50 pounds. Must be able to be present in areas with foul smells and harsh noises.
*Must be able to swim and be willing to be SCUBA certified (if not already)

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Interested applicants can apply directly at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=8948&clientkey=05CE5959ED803A8D72CA12EF87F1125A