Field Supervisor - Mixed Mammals

Naples Zoo

Field Supervisor - Mixed Mammals

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for the daily care and supervision of the Naples Zoo animal collection and animal care professionals within their assigned area. Essential duties include managing the day to day function of the area to support animal wellness, guest engagement, and adherence to zoo policies and procedures. This is a working supervisor position and will be required to perform some daily husbandry tasks. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for this position to create and maintain a positive and effective team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advanced understanding of animal husbandry and care to maximize animal wellness, including research on best practices to ensure each animal thrives

• Advanced observation of animal behavior to monitor health and wellbeing

• Maintain records in accordance with protocols and as directed

• Comply with and enforce any zoo wide safety protocols and procedures, and bring forth any potential hazards for staff, visitors, and animals to the applicable managers/Director of Animal Programs

• Support veterinary health needs as requested

• Perform both routine and advanced animal handling and restraint as needed

• Actively train approved specific animal behaviors for husbandry, management and veterinary procedures

• Actively participate in animal enrichment, including generating and implementing new items and submitting them through the appropriate approval process

• Interact with Zoo visitors in an engaging and professional manner; to include but not limited to, answering questions, conducting shows, keeper chats, and special tours

• Provide support for education and conservation programming as needed

• Assist with special events and requests from marketing and development as needed

• Perform skilled assignments related to animal care and wellness and prioritize routines and projects in accordance with sound time management and efficiency

• Effectively communicate with co-workers, managers and other Zoo personnel in support of the overall needs of the animals, department and organization

• Actively participate in area meetings and support committees as assigned

• Assist with project management as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provide daily supervision of staff, teaching, correcting, and commending as appropriate to assure a high level of performance and teamwork.

• Development and follow through of plans to meet animal management and husbandry needs (animal transfers, introductions, catch-ups, veterinary procedures, immobilizations, etc.) with support from the Animal Operations Manager

• Handling of any animal or safety concerns as they arise; development and follow through of plans to resolve those concerns with support from the Animal Operations Manager

• Monitor and perform all area specific standard operating procedures, including updating documents as needed

• Advanced knowledge of regulatory standards (USDA, FWC and AZA) and the ability to proactively address and rectify concerns. Assist on site inspectors as requested

• Oversee hiring and training of staff/interns in associated department

• Actively mentor interns, animal care associates and animal care professional as requested to promote their continued growth

• Able to serve as scheduled on the daily ERT schedule in the capacity of Animal Person (AP) and appropriately respond to and lead the resolution of emergencies

• Complete annual employee evaluations process with support and input from the Animal Operations Manager

• Complete weekly schedules for reporting employees, working to maintain appropriate staffing levels through approval of PTO requests

• Designate, approve and follow through on animal training priorities

• In accordance with Naples Zoo Animal Enrichment Policy, approve and monitor monthly enrichment schedules and logs

• Monitor animal diets and submit any needed changes through the appropriate channels

• Assist in the resolution of interpersonal differences among employees

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in an animal related field is preferred. Life experience may be substituted

• Minimum 3 years of animal care experience in an accredited zoo or aquarium

• Ability to show leadership skills and the ability to mentor team members in a professional and effective manner

• Ability to be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish and maintain professional working relationships

• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, views and work styles

• Ability to work both independently and within a team

• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing environment and maintain a positive attitude during times of stress

• Must be self-motivated and goal-oriented

• Must have good written and oral communication skills

• Must have knowledge of animal husbandry, animal welfare and operant conditioning

• Must have the ability to work flexible hours

• Must be able to organize/prioritize workload to meet deadlines

• Ability to drive a vehicle and run small machinery

• Showcased ability to think logically and solve problems accordingly

• Ability to communicate with guests in a kind, courteous manner

• Computer competency with Microsoft programs

• Competency with Species 360/ZIMS data entry

Physical requirements

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following have been identified as physical requirements of the job:

• Ability to work outside in weather conditions typical of South Florida

• Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/move up to 65 pounds, stand for long periods of time.

• Ability to drive Zoo bicycles

• Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to handle, reach, feel and manipulate objects, tools or controls

• Ability to sit, walk distances, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel and crouch

• Ability for close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

• Ability to hear and talk and use a radio

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

A large percentage of duties are performed outdoors in various weather conditions, ranging from rain, wind, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat and humidity. It is possible the employee will be exposed to dust and harsh chemicals that if not handled properly may present a health hazard. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

Naples Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The ADA requires Naples Zoo to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the Human Resources Office.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Naples Zoo is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture, and our team does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.

Employee Eligible Benefits & Employment Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision Health Coverage

Complimentary Life Insurance policy of $25,000

Supplemental insurance plans available (disability, GAP, accident, critical care)

403B Retirement and Investment Opportunities

Accrued Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Holiday Premium Pay

Employee Referral Bonuses

Complimentary Zoo Admission for employees and/or their families after 90 days of employment

Complimentary and discounted admissions to 100+ Florida theme parks for employee and/or their families

30% Employee Discount at Naples Zoo Gift Shop & zoo cafes

How to Apply

https://www.napleszoo.org/jobs

Naples Zoo

1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd.

Naples, FL 34102

Phone: 239-262-5409