Facility
Safari West
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Description
Safari West is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team as the bird, small mammal and carnivore supervisor. This is a very demanding job; we are looking for someone who is dedicated and has a strong work ethic with a willingness to learn. The applicant will be expected to have knowledge of or be able to efficiently learn the natural history and behavior of the animals under their care; please review our website to familiarize yourself with the species we house. The applicant needs to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to multi-task, a positive attitude, and the ability to function in high stress situations. The applicant should have general knowledge of the care of exotic animals in a zoological facility, including an understanding of how to implement behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning. This position has numerous physical daily requirements, including lifting weights of over 50 lbs, and the applicant must have the ability to accomplish these demands. The applicant must be able to adhere to all safety protocols including proper lifting procedures, handling of dangerous materials, and safe movement around animals.
This position will have interactions with guests, interns and other staff members from various departments. The applicant will be expected to interact with others in a professional, respectful and positive manner at all times.
Our animal management team is made up of 4 positions (animal collections manager, animal collections administrator, hoofstock supervisor and bird, small mammal and carnivore supervisor) who all work very closely with one another and are trained to have a general knowledge of how to work around species not directly under their supervision. In addition, each of these managers regularly communicates with management from other departments.
Job Tasks
• Manage keepers and animal care on 3 strings consisting of birds, small mammals (including primates) and carnivores
• Ensure animal care standards are met
• Communicate and manage team through formal and informal meetings with keeper staff
• Regularly evaluate and coach keeper staff
• Promote positive moral and a high functioning, cohesive team of animal staff
• Train new hires
• Assist in daily husbandry tasks as needed (this may include quarantines, injured or ill animals)
• Assist in habitat maintenance
• Monitor and ensure animal records and daily reports are complete and accurate
• Assist in interviewing and selecting applicants for keeper and intern positions
• Coordinate and manage behavioral enrichment program
• Research and collaborate to stay up on current knowledge and practices
• Admin tasks such as:
o Create schedules for keeper staff
o Consistently review and update protocols and policies
o Inventory and ordering
• Aid in veterinary treatment and medical procedures including capture, restraint and transport
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
• A minimum of 3 years paid experience in animal keeping and at least one year of paid experience in training or supervising other keepers, volunteers and/or interns
• Experience with operant conditioning training and behavioral enrichment
• Experience working with a variety of species, ideally with some carnivores and primates
• Familiarity with AZA, USDA, CADFW, OSHA regulations and standards
• Experience working with a veterinarian
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to work in a variety of weather conditions and with a varied schedule, potentially including weekends and holidays
A 4-year biology related degree is preferred, but not a necessity if the applicant has comparable experience.
The applicant should be versatile, flexible, and have a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
We require a professional appearance and demeanor as well as a valid Driver’s license and clean DMV record.
Compensation and benefits
DOE
Application instructions
Please send a cover letter, resume or CV, and 2 references to nsmith@safariwest.com.