Job Postings

Reptile Manager

Facility

Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo

Closing Date
July 24, 2022
Description

Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
Reptile Manager
ABOUT ANIMAL WORLD & SNAKE FARM ZOO
The Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo is a ZAA accredited facility currently in the midst of incredible renovation and growth. Since its inception in 1967, AWSFZ has grown to become a respected zoological facility and houses a diverse animal collection, including many species of mammals and birds, with emphasis on venomous reptiles, crocodilians, chelonians. Recent renovations include a beautiful naturalistic jaguar habitat and new bioactive immersive reptile habitats. The zoo will be expanding onto an additional 25+ acres with opportunities to bring in new animal species and habitats, reimagining of existing habitats, and dining and recreational opportunities for guests. AWSFZ is committed to exceptional animal care standards, an immersive educational guest experience, and staff development. More on our history and future plans can be found here: https://www.awsfzoo.com/about/history

Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo is located in beautiful New Braunfels, Texas, within 30 minutes of Austin and San Antonio. This area is home to exceptional parks, restaurants, shopping, and recreational facilities.

SUMMARY:
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, and organized candidate looking to move forward in the animal care profession as our Reptile Manager. This mid-level management position will join our dynamic reptile team, working with a renowned collection of herpetological species. This position includes care and oversight of a large number of venomous snakes and crocodilians, as well as non-venomous snakes, lizards, chelonians, and amphibians. The ideal candidate will have previous professional experience with similar collections, and the ability to manage and train new and experienced keepers. Candidates will have good problem-solving and time management skills and will be expected to help maintain a positive and productive working environment through example. The ideal candidate will be an experienced keeper in a management position, or an experienced keeper looking to take the next step forward in their career. Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo strives to foster a dynamic environment for professional growth as the zoo continues to expand, and this position will provide the opportunity to step into a zoological management position.

This is a working position that requires daily husbandry with the reptile collection, as well as presenting daily shows to guests. The Reptile Manager reports directly to the Reptile Curator and will help fulfill these primary functions:

Participates in and oversees daily reptile operations, including husbandry, veterinary care, shows, and maintenance
Provides assistance with development, planning, and execution of breeding programs
Manages day-to-day work flow and flexible task prioritization of keepers and husbandry within the department
Scheduling of keepers, projects, and tasks assigned by the Curator/Directors
Assistance with creating and fulfilling short- and long-term department goals within planned timelines
Use of excellent communication, delegation and follow-up skills to ensure smooth day-to-day operations
Assists Curator in training and evaluation of new reptile staff in approved SOPs and procedures
Ensures that the department is appropriately stocked with inventoried supplies as needed for day-to-day, seasonal, and emergency situations
Participates in regular scheduled and unscheduled verbal and written communications with the Curator
Assists in development and compliance of safety protocols, including venomous species protocols
Assists in development of reptile shows and presentation techniques
Demonstrates a positive attitude and willingness to exemplify a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo’s mission
Understands the significance of their role and how they can positively impact visitors; proactive, friendly communication will be expected at all times, as well as anticipating visitors’ needs and desires
Ensures appropriate detailed data collection and input into the animal records databases
Maintains animal habitats through regular maintenance, landscaping, oversight of life support systems including lighting, filtration, heating, and AC units, and care of living plants
Oversees cleanliness and organization of reptile keeper areas
Communicates department maintenance needs on a timely basis
Performs other related duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced knowledge of herpetology, including husbandry and exhibitory techniques, nutritional requirements, behavior, common diseases, capture and restraint, and propagation methods
A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience at a public zoo or similar institution in a herpetological setting and a demonstrated knowledge and experience in zoological operations, animal husbandry and superior customer service.
Proficient in use of email, Google Drive and related programs, and digital task management systems
Ability to work with minimum supervision and independently accomplish tasks and goals
Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required
Excellent communication skills with supervisors, employees, and zoo-wide coworkers
Ability to follow and assign specific instructions and communicate activities and observations clearly in writing and verbally
Experience in designing and delivering quality educational programs to the public in both formal and informal formats
Thorough and practiced understanding and appreciation for customer experience and expectations
Knowledge of Federal, State and ZAA accreditation standards is preferred, not required
Ability to work in a dynamic team environment and the capacity to step outside of given role to ensure zoo-wide projects and goals are met
Demonstrated ability to motivate and organize the activities of the training staff. This experience should include an increasing degree of responsibility over time with a broad base of technical knowledge and skills
Demonstrated ability to lead and work as a part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with a minimum of supervision
Must be able to lift, carry, push and/or pull objects and materials of moderate weight (50-80 lbs)
Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full time position that involves working on weekends and holidays. Compensation commensurate with experience.

Work Remotely: No

Job Type: Full-time

APPLICATIONS
Please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to: Samanthaw@hczoo.com and Jarrodf@hczoo.com

Education and Pre-requisites

Participates in and oversees daily reptile operations, including husbandry, veterinary care, shows, and maintenance
Provides assistance with development, planning, and execution of breeding programs
Manages day-to-day work flow and flexible task prioritization of keepers and husbandry within the department
Scheduling of keepers, projects, and tasks assigned by the Curator/Directors
Assistance with creating and fulfilling short- and long-term department goals within planned timelines
Use of excellent communication, delegation and follow-up skills to ensure smooth day-to-day operations
Assists Curator in training and evaluation of new reptile staff in approved SOPs and procedures
Ensures that the department is appropriately stocked with inventoried supplies as needed for day-to-day, seasonal, and emergency situations
Participates in regular scheduled and unscheduled verbal and written communications with the Curator
Assists in development and compliance of safety protocols, including venomous species protocols
Assists in development of reptile shows and presentation techniques
Demonstrates a positive attitude and willingness to exemplify a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo’s mission
Understands the significance of their role and how they can positively impact visitors; proactive, friendly communication will be expected at all times, as well as anticipating visitors’ needs and desires
Ensures appropriate detailed data collection and input into the animal records databases
Maintains animal habitats through regular maintenance, landscaping, oversight of life support systems including lighting, filtration, heating, and AC units, and care of living plants
Oversees cleanliness and organization of reptile keeper areas
Communicates department maintenance needs on a timely basis
Performs other related duties as assigned

Compensation and benefits

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full time position that involves working on weekends and holidays. Compensation commensurate with experience.

Application instructions

APPLICATIONS
Please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to: Samanthaw@hczoo.com and Jarrodf@hczoo.com