Facility
Reid Park Zoo – Tucson AZ
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Come join us at the Reid Park Zoological Society!
We are seeking an Animal Care Supervisor. Bachelor’s degree in a
biological science, animal or zoology related plus five years’ experience in animal care at an
AZA accredited institution. This must include two years supervising Zoo Keepers.
Alternatively, Associates degree with 8 years’ experience including two years supervising Zoo
Keepers. This position is open until filled.
The Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, advocate for
and enhance the value of Reid Park Zoo and its mission to encourage commitment to the
conservation of biological diversity and to provide educational and fun experiences for visitors
of all ages. Reid Park Zoo is the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona with
approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid
Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan that will be investing over $60M in new exhibits
over the next ten years.
Education and Pre-requisites
2 years supervising Zoo Keepers required.
5 years in animal care at an AZA accredited facility and bachelor’s degree – biological science related preferred. Alternatively, Associates degree plus 8 years’ experience. The Animal Care Supervisor is responsible for supervising, mentoring, and evaluating a team of Zoo Keepers. Supervisor will be responsible for overseeing several animal areas of the zoo and all associated records. At times this position may be involved in direct animal care and habitat enhancements.
This position works collaboratively with the Veterinarian Team, Facilities, Events and Education Departments.
The Carnivore Area includes African lions, jaguar, grizzly bears, lemurs, gibbon, anteater,
Andean bear, tapir, and possibly others. The zoo expansion includes a breeding facility for
tigers and a sloth bear facility, fishing cat habitat, and other smaller animals as well. The
dangerous animals utilize a 2 person/ 2 lock method for shifting animals. The team works
more closely for animal training than other areas within the zoo. Animals are trained to
voluntarily participate in their health care and therefore the Supervisor and keepers work
closely with the vet team. Additionally, the enrichment expectations involve lots of habitat
changes (which ideally the Supervisor is willing to assist the team with) and currently the areas
have several large pool systems (shared responsibility with Animal Care and Maintenance).
All animals are included in minimum of monthly welfare assessments and this position
oversees direction from the group on changes to make for the animals (may be habitat enhancements, different training plans, novel enrichment, health related, or routine changes
etc.).
Reports To: Director of Zoological Operations
Responsibilities:
● General duties:
Supervises, trains, schedules and mentors Zoo Keepers in their work. Direct reports
may vary from 4-8 Zoo Keepers depending on the workload of the areas.
Oversees a subset of the collection animals with regards to wellness, health, training,
enrichment, daily care and all related documentation.
Assist with collection planning. Reviews animal records and assists with animal
transactions.
Conducts preventative maintenance and ensures safety in work areas.
Works collaboratively with the welfare committee, training & enrichment committee,
education department, events team and safety team.
Completes all training as required. These may include but are not limited to job
specific training, safety, zoonotic disease, blood borne pathogens, animal enrichment,
animal training, conservation, Species Survival Plan (SSP), active shooter, DEI, radio
protocol, CPR/ First Aid, hand tool usage and heavy equipment operation such as
skid steer/ fork lift truck etc.
● Supervisory duties:
Delivers annual performance reviews for Zoo Keepers and provides work plan goals
for the coming year. Provides timely feedback on performance throughout the year.
Participates in recruitment, selection and hiring decisions. Is involved in promotion
and status changes and makes recommendations.
Supervises and schedules Zoo Keepers.
Trains and coaches Zoo Keepers and ensures compliance with safety policies and
practices.
Participates in employee relations concerns in partnership with Human Resources
and direct supervisor.
Coaches and mentors less experienced Zoo Keepers & provides development
opportunities to increase depth and span of experience.
Completes 90-day reviews for new hire Zoo Keepers and creates a work plan with
goals.● Administrative Functions
Comfortable with animal data software systems such as ZIMS and ZooMonitor
Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies
Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
Follows zoo safety protocols and procedures
● Other Duties as Assigned
Compensation and benefits
Dependent on experience. Benefits include:
Healthcare insurance – 3 plans
Dental – 2 plans
Vision
401k with 4% employer match
Free life/ AD&D insurance
Free Short Term Disability insurance
Free Long Term Disability insurance
Employee discounts
Application instructions
Send resume to: hr@reidparkzoo.org or visit our website: