Job Postings

Animal Care Supervisor – Africa

Facility

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Closing Date
February 15, 2021
Description

The Living Desert is seeking qualified candidates to join our Animal Care Team as an Animal Care Supervisor. This is a key, visible leadership position that requires a motivated, dedicated team player who is willing to make a significant commitment to the organization. This requires an enthusiastic individual with strong organizational skills, decision making skills and task management skills while demonstrating ability to work effectively with all levels of staff in a consistently changing environment.

The Animal Care team is expected to support the Zoo in its mission “to support desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation.” The Animal Care Supervisor will help the Zoo achieve a forward-thinking vision of a modern zoo and inclusive culture. This person must have the ability to make good decisions regarding the welfare of animals, staff and guests while working for the greater good of the zoo. This person must be a cooperative and collaborative team member with a great guest service attitude.

Successful candidates will be organized, detail oriented and able to work in a constantly changing atmosphere. This position also performs the functions of Animal Care Keeper and able to follow instructions from Animal Care management. The Animal Care Supervisor must demonstrate significant knowledge of husbandry practices, be able to lead and mentor staff in the performances of these practices. Must demonstrate strong leadership skills which include being a role model and an example to others while working towards an improved future and shared vision within TLD.

Position Summary:
Reports to Animal Care Curator. This position will be primarily focused in the existing Africa section of the zoo. These areas include ungulates, carnivores and avian species.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner, and act as a role model at all times
• Liaison between management and keeper staff. Provides and encourages a feedback rich environment with information regarding accomplishments, updates, and challenges.
• Provide mentorship to animal care keeper team
• Responsible for maintaining AZA/USDA standards of each animal area
• General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry and observational skills.
• Excellent guests service and communication skills for effective & engaging public speaking; Gives knowledgeable and engaging tour/talks for guests, staff and donors.
• Assist with the daily behavioral husbandry, operant conditioning and enriching experiences of animal collection
• Contribute and maintain a safe, positive and productive workplace environment for animals, guests and staff.
• Able to establish and maintain effective and professional working relations with co-workers and other department personnel, and to do so in accordance with The Living Desert Employee Handbook.
• Assist Animal Care Curator as needed in support of area tasks/projects including but not limited to: ordering of supplies, animal procedures, animal programs, scheduling and communication to other TLD staff
• Assist and implement breeding protocols, diet revisions, habitat designs and habitat maintenance
• Motivated, self-starter who can work with minimal supervision. Should also be able to work with others in a team setting.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills to trouble shoot issues and reveal solutions to move the animal team forward
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and remain levelheaded in emergency situations
• Attend and participate in staff meetings to discuss the needs of the animal collection and animal staff, resolve issues, and learn of new procedures and policies
• Embraces the LEAN process program and moves the department in a more efficient direction

Working Conditions:
• Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting (up to 50#)
• Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals and dust/airborne materials.
• Works with potentially dangerous animals (large ungulates, carnivores, venomous snakes)
• Holiday, evening, weekend work required. Available on as needed basis for emergencies and events.
• Travel opportunities for conferences, workshops and/or conservation projects as appropriate. Some or all expenses paid.

Education and Pre-requisites

Minimum Qualifications:
• AA, AS or higher degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree and at least two years of exotic animal experience. Bachelor degree preferred.
• Experience with animal training and public presentations a plus.
• Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of full time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college.
• Valid California driver license.
• Must be insurable on The Living Desert’s automobile policy.

Compensation and benefits

$18.36/hr Full Time

Paid Time Off (PTO) is accrued at a rate of .769 days per pay period which is equivalent to twenty (20) days on an annual basis. In addition to PTO you will receive seven (7) paid sick days on an annual basis. Your paid sick time for your first year will be pro-rated from your date of hire and then earned every July 1st thereafter.

The Living Desert offers to its employees: Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance that is either paid in full or significantly subsidized by the organization. We also offer voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance and Flexible Spending Accounts. You are eligible to participate in our insurance programs the first day of the month following thirty days of employment.

We also offer a 401(k) Plan to our eligible employees. You are eligible to participate in this plan after six months of employment here. A one-time annual discretionary match may be available to you on the last day of the fiscal year and paid after that time in the same calendar year.

Application instructions

To apply for this position: Qualified applicants must send resume, three (3) references and cover letter to Wendy Enright, Animal Care Curator at animalcaremanagers@livingdesert.org Cover letter should include how you will be key in moving the Animal Department forward and how you will move The Living Desert mission forward. Deadline for submissions: Monday February 15th 5pm ( PST).
Please add position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.