Animal Care Supervisor

Santa Barbara, CA

$31.30–$34.50 Per Hour
Full-time

15 days ago

Job Description

The Santa Barbara Zoo is looking for an Animal Care Supervisor to coordinate daily animal care operations, supervise keeper staff, and support mission-focused animal care and zoo-wide initiatives.

Position Status: Full-Time, Hourly, Regular, Non-exempt
Schedule: 40 hours per week, work days TBD
Compensation: $31.30 - $34.50 per hour

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Zoological Managers and Director of Animal Care, the Animal Care Supervisor is responsible for supervising and coordinating daily animal care operations to optimize animal care and wellbeing, maintenance and cleanliness of exhibits, supervising keeper staff, supporting and implementing mission-focused animal care and zoo-wide programs and initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing a positive guest experience. The Animal Care Supervisor will be assigned to animal care zones based on departmental needs and assigned direct reports based on animal care zone needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Animal Care & Welfare:

Supervises direct reports (keepers) as assigned by Zoological Manager, including coaching and mentoring, regular feedback and accountability, and annual performance evaluation.
Collaborates with the Zoological Manager to support management of a team of Keepers in providing the highest standards of care to ensure the health and well-being of the animal population
Supports the Zoological Manager with day-to-day operations, and is responsible for supervising animal care operational tasks as assigned by Zoological Manager
Acts as Animal Care and/or Zone Point of Contact when directed, and in Zoological Managers’ absence
Acts as a role model/leader in animal husbandry, health issues, and welfare
Applies an understanding of animal husbandry, health, and welfare to determine animal management direction, including operational procedures
Recognizes and determines the seriousness of abnormal behavior and medical condition
Recognizes the importance of animal welfare and regularly assesses the welfare of animals through daily operations and population level welfare assessments, including facilitating welfare assessments, collation of assessments and completion of identified actions, and strives to optimize welfare for all animals under their care
Assists with regular adherence to USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, federal, and AZA standards associated with animal care and welfare, and ensures Animal Care staff are accountable to these standards
Assists Zoological Manager in ensuring that all animal husbandry and health duties are performed in the safest manner, following established standard operating guidelines (SOGs) and protocols
Identifies specific animal husbandry/health problems, and implements a systematic approach to solving the problem
Communicates veterinary and animal husbandry information in a timely manner to the keeper team, Animal Care & Health team, and to Senior Management staff
Works collaboratively with the Veterinarians and Veterinary staff to ensure the highest level of medical care for the animals in the collection
Works collaboratively with the Nutritionist to ensure optimal nutrition and feeding strategies for the animals in the collection
Assists the Zoological Manager in ensuring the application of training to optimize care and welfare, supports keepers in the identification and implementation of training goals, developing shaping plans, and collaborates with the animal training consultants to achieve training goals and advance the training program
Assists Zoological Manager to ensure the application of enrichment and enriching experiences to optimize care and welfare, supports keepers in the identification and prioritization of enrichment goals, evaluates enrichment activity schedules & devices to determine effectiveness, and collaborates with enrichment consultants to achieve enrichment goals and advance the behavioral enrichment program
Supports the Animal Training and Enriching Experiences Programs to advance the behavioral enrichment program
Assists the Zoological Manager to develop and support the Ambassador Animal Program
Collaborates with the Animal Care team and other zoo departments on exhibit/animal space modifications and enhancements, and designing new exhibits/animal spaces
Assists with development, review and updating all applicable SOG’s and protocols for animal husbandry and the Ambassador Animal Program
Attends weekly Animal Management and Quarterly Animal Welfare Assessment Working Group meetings in the Zoological Manager’s absence or as directed
Supports the goals of breeding programs for managed populations (SSPs) and may be assigned as an institutional representative for managed populations (SSPs)
Actively encourages and supports Keepers to participate in AZA animal programs (TAGs, SAGs, SSPs, SAFE programs, committees) and leads by example by supporting AZA animal programs, such as being a SSP coordinator, studbook keeper, TAG/SAG/SAFE/other committee member
Encouraged to present at scientific meetings/workshops/conferences, to give informal presentations, and to prepare scientific papers or articles for publication
Gives informal and formal presentations or trainings to zoo staff as assigned
Knowledge of AZA accreditation standards and AZA animal programs
Assists Zoological Manager to ensure animal daily records are entered into the electronic recordkeeping system (ZIMS) accurately, consistently, and in a timely manner
Collaborates effectively with other departments such as Education, Guest Services, Institutional Advancement, and Marketing to achieve the goals of the AC&H department and zoo-wide programs and initiatives
Other duties as assigned

Conservation & Science:

Assists Zoological Manager by collaborating with the Conservation & Science department to support participation in local conservation programs and fieldwork opportunities
Assists Zoological Manager by collaborating with the Director of Conservation & Science, Veterinarians, and Director of Animal Care to fulfill institutionally approved research requests
Supports in-house research activities and welfare studies

Emergency Situations:

Acts as incident commander in animal escape situations or other emergency situations as appropriate
Responds to animal emergencies quickly and calculates risks involved for animals, guests, and staff
Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency situation
Utilizes emergency chemical immobilization as required and trained
Uses capture equipment when required
Collaborates with the Zoological Manager to evaluate the impact of emergency or mock situations on all areas of the Zoo and suggests improvements to the emergency response systems

Guest Relations:

Ensures exhibit presentation quality standards for cleanliness and maintenance to maximize our guest experience
Assists the Zoological Manager to ensure appropriate, well-maintained graphics and signage at exhibits.
Interacts with guests to assist and share information about animal care and wellbeing
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
Assists Zoological Manager in developing and facilitating formal and informal educational programs

Staff Development:

Supervises Animal Care Keepers, Volunteers, and Interns and/or performs duties of subordinates as needed
Assists Zoological Manager in sharing critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff to achieve departmental and zoo-wide goals
Demonstrates leadership skills that support staff, goals of the AC&H department and zoo-wide programs and initiatives
Participates regularly in training provided by the zoo and by external consultants/classes for the development of their leadership skills, including but not limited to, coaching, difficult conversations, providing feedback, conflict resolution, and time management
Provides staff coaching and feedback on a regular basis to direct reports such as one on one meetings, coaches coworkers, volunteers, and interns, and provides informal feedback as needed
Performs regular, formal evaluations for direct reports
Promotes a collaborative relationship across the whole AC&H department and with other zoo departments
Provides staff training and shares expertise on animal husbandry, handling, capture, restraint, animal training, enrichment, and animal welfare
Collaborates with the Director of Animal Care and Zoological Managers to develop and implement professional development opportunities and pathways for the Keepers that relate to animal care, animal welfare, animal training, behavioral enrichment, AZA programs, public relations, interpersonal skills, and leadership skills
Proactively supports opportunities for the Keepers to contribute to conservation programs and participate in conservation fieldwork
Encourages staff to present at scientific meetings/workshops/conferences, to give informal presentations, and to prepare scientific papers or articles for publication
Collaborates with the Zoological Managers in staff assessment, the hiring process, development of performance improvement plans and termination processes
Assists the Zoological Manager in developing and facilitating team goals in accordance with departmental and zoo goals
Builds relationships and collaborates with peers at other AZA institutions

Operation and Business:

Exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well-being of the animal collection
Reports animal maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff in a timely manner
Identifies and allocates resources appropriately for efficient day-to-day operations and in response to emergency situations.
Holds direct reports and peers accountable for their performance
Assists the Zoological Manager with scheduling staff in a manner that prioritizes animal welfare, health, operational needs, and conservation opportunities. Recognizes when overtime hours are required and requests appropriate staff overtime
Collaborates with Zoological Managers and other Animal Care Supervisors to optimize efficiency and effectiveness of the department
Completes all tasks associated with time card processing
Collaborates with HR and Education to schedule interns
Collaborates with the Volunteer Supervisor and Zoological Manager to schedule volunteers
Collaborates with the Education Department to develop and maintain the Ambassador Animal program and animal experiences program
Collaborates with animal events to develop and support animal experience programming
Assists with AZA accreditation preparations and inspections as needed, safety inspections, and USDA inspections
Represents the zoo for public relations and media events on behalf of the department
Adheres to Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
Attends bi-monthly all-employee meetings
Attends departmental meetings as assigned
Attends volunteer meetings as needed

SECONDARY DUTIES:
Guest Relations:

Greets every guest with a smile
Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
Associates with guests to assist and share information
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
Other miscellaneous duties as required

POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Life Science such as Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or closely related discipline
Minimum three years of experience in routine animal husbandry in a zoo, aquarium, or closely related activity
Demonstrated leadership abilities

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

Valid driver’s license with good driving record is desirable
Ability to certify in First Aid/CPR/AED
Must have current negative TB test and rabies titer and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test and rabies titer
Hiring contingent on successful LiveScan DOJ background check

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Knowledge of animal behavior and natural history
Knowledge of procedures for observation, handling/restraint, training, enrichment, reproduction, facility needs and health of animals
Understanding of emergency situation procedures, specifically those involved with guest and staff safety
Must possess sound judgment and ability to use common sense for effective decision-making
Basic computer skills (Word, Outlook, Excel)
Ability to remain calm and lead in stressful situations and in times of emergency/crisis
Ability to interact with a team including the ability to gather information and generate team consensus
Ability to follow oral and written direction
Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to develop warm and friendly relationships at work
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, our guests
Ability to exercise safe work habits while in the proximity of potentially dangerous animals
Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hilltop
Must be able to participate in operational practices; including climbing stairs, manipulating tools, and standing/walk for long periods of time
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including electric cart, two- way radio, and capture equipment
Ability to be trained for the use of heavy equipment
Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally, and 10 or fewer pounds frequently
Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects
The ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs
The ability to be an active member of the Weapons Team (Training and Emergencies)
Ability to work successfully in a shared office with open space
Involves working out of doors in all weather conditions
Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used:

Standard cleaning equipment such as hoses, rakes, shovels, and brooms
Two-way radio
Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other zoo-related software
Capture equipment
Electric cart
Hand tools
Electrical tools
Weapons (Training & Emergencies)
Automobile
Heavy equipment such as front loader, forklift and dump truck
Personal Protection Equipment

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities
Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

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This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.

Numbers & Facts

Location	Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type	Full-time
Salary	$31.30–$34.50 Per Hour

Skills

Accreditation Standardsunmatched
Animal Careunmatched
Animal Husbandryunmatched
Animal Trainingunmatched
Automotive Industryunmatched
Background Investigationunmatched
Best Practicesunmatched
Biologyunmatched
Business Operationsunmatched
Card Processingunmatched
Cleaning Equipmentunmatched
Coachingunmatched
Communication Skillsunmatched
Computer Skillsunmatched
Conferencesunmatched
Conflict Resolutionunmatched
Conservationunmatched
Customer Support/Serviceunmatched
Data Collectionunmatched
Driver's Licenseunmatched
Dump Truck/Tipperunmatched
Ecologyunmatched
Educational Administrationunmatched
Electrical Componentsunmatched
Electricityunmatched
Emergency Proceduresunmatched
Emergency Responseunmatched
Establish Prioritiesunmatched
Food Servicesunmatched
Forkliftunmatched
Graphicsunmatched
Green Businessunmatched
Hand Toolsunmatched
Heavy Equipment/Vehiclesunmatched
Hospitality and Tourismunmatched
Housekeeping/Cleaningunmatched
Interpersonal Skillsunmatched
Leadershipunmatched
Lift/Move 50 Poundsunmatched
Maintain Complianceunmatched
Marketingunmatched
Medical Conditionsunmatched
Mentoringunmatched
Microsoft Excelunmatched
Microsoft Outlookunmatched
Microsoft Wordunmatched
Negotiation Skillsunmatched
Nutritionunmatched
Operationsunmatched
Operations Managementunmatched
Operations Processesunmatched
Organizational Skillsunmatched
PC Softwareunmatched
People Managementunmatched
Performance Analysisunmatched
Performance Managementunmatched
Performance Reviewsunmatched
Presentation/Verbal Skillsunmatched
Problem Solving Skillsunmatched
Public/Media/Press/Analyst Relationsunmatched
Publicationsunmatched
Purchasing/Procurementunmatched
Quality Metricsunmatched
Quality of Careunmatched
Regulatory Complianceunmatched
Resource Managementunmatched
Retailunmatched
Safety/Work Safetyunmatched
Staff Developmentunmatched
Staff Policiesunmatched
Staff Trainingunmatched
Standards of Careunmatched
Team Lead/Managerunmatched
Team Playerunmatched
Telephone Skillsunmatched
Time Managementunmatched
Training Programunmatched
Training/Teachingunmatched
Two Way Radiounmatched
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)unmatched
United States Department of Justice (DOJ)unmatched
Veterinary Medicineunmatched
Volunteer Managementunmatched
Waste/Garbage/Recycle Collectionunmatched
Wheel/Front-End Loaderunmatched
Writing Skillsunmatched
Zoologyunmatched

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