Facility
Houston Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Our Purpose: The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. We take pride in supporting efforts that save wildlife from extinction by working to implement comprehensive conservation strategies and developing partnerships to increase knowledge and support in communities. The Houston Zoo focuses on saving wildlife through reducing threats that face species in the wild. This includes action to reduce plastic pollution and paper use, promote sustainable seafood and sustainable palm oil, recycle electronics, and address pollinator decline. We also protect the counterparts of zoo animals, like lions, sharks, cranes and toads in the wild through partnerships with other global wildlife-saving organizations. Every member of our staff makes this possible by ensuring extraordinary animal care and guaranteeing the zoo’s operations contribute to protecting animals in the wild. Our staff strengthens the zoo, making it possible to protect 20% of the lion population in Africa, save sea turtles through the elimination of plastic bottle sales, among other wildlife successes. By joining the Houston Zoo team, you save animals in the wild!
A successful candidate for this position is motivated, energetic, and a team oriented individual with good problem solving, written/oral communication, and organizational/interpersonal skills. The Night Zoo Supervisor oversees the activities of keeper staff assigned to the night shift, providing counsel and direction regarding animal husbandry issues. Participates in education and conservation programs. May perform keeper duties as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Directs personnel, including volunteers, in the care, maintenance, and display of domestic and exotic animals
Responsible for the recruitment, selection, development, evaluation, and performance management of direct reports. Directs, organizes, prioritizes, and schedules work assignments within section
Observes and evaluates animal conditions, behaviors, and responses, as well as containment, security, and environment of Zoo animals; communicates observations orally and on written reports
Participates in or oversees environmental and behavioral enrichment; Improves the quality of life of the animal population by providing environmental and behavioral enrichment opportunities
Participates in or oversees the training of selected animals through operant conditioning for purposes of gaining cooperation for veterinary treatment
Provides direct animal care as needed for health and well-being of animals within assigned areas
In collaboration with the Curator and Veterinary staff, administers medication as directed
Develops and prepares operational procedures
Serves as institutional representative for selected species to national taxa advisory groups, attending conferences and meetings as required
Initiates requisitions for equipment and supplies
Leads night staff for emergency response relating to matters of animal welfare and safety
Handles and proficient in the use of firearms and capture equipment in the event of an animal emergency
Possesses broad knowledge of zoo-wide animal facilities and SOPs
Able to capture, handle, or shift animals of all taxonomic groups represented at the zoo
Ability to assist and receive animals into quarantine and/or prepare for shipment in conjunction with other departments after hours
Problem solves or makes decisions affecting animals, their exhibits and/or associated facilities
Maintains qualified firearms status
Facilitates animal safety training for assigned keeper staff; facilitates table-top and/or live action safety drills for department
Supervises a small team of animal care staff. Represents the animal department as a key decision maker in the absence of a senior animal manager
Acts as liaison between night events and programing (i.e. Education overnights, Weddings, etc.)
Participates in extended hours schedule. Hours may vary depending on scheduled night events and zoo lights
Performs other duties as assigned
Working Hours:
Work hours: 1PM – 10PM according to work schedule. Working hours may vary depending on scheduled special events, rentals, or animal needs. During Zoo lights the regular working hours are from 3PM – midnight.
Working weekends, holidays, and extended hours may be required.
Minimal overnight travel (up to 10%) by land and/or air.
Education and Pre-requisites
Associate’s degree or two years of college level education (60 semester credit hours) in zoology, biology, animal husbandry or a related field of which 24 semester hours must be credit hours in life sciences or physical sciences
Five years of paid experience in exotic animal care in a zoological facility.
Ability to complete firearms safety training and qualification within 6 months, if not already certified.
Compensation and benefits
Full-Time with exceptional benefits package offered
Application instructions
Applicants can visit www.houstonzoo.org/careers to download an application
E-mail resume and completed application to careers@houstonzoo.org