The City of Oshkosh is seeking a knowledgeable, hands-on, and mission-driven Lead Zoo Specialist to help lead daily operations at Menominee Park Zoo. This role is ideal for an experienced animal care professional who is passionate about animal welfare, conservation, education, and public service.
As the Lead Zoo Specialist, you will provide advanced animal husbandry, daily leadership for animal care staff, and operational support across the zoo. This position plays a key role in maintaining high standards of animal care, supporting exhibits and grounds, and helping deliver meaningful educational and conservation programming for the community.
Working under the general direction of the Park Services and Events Manager, this position offers the opportunity to exercise independent judgment, contribute to zoo operations, and help shape the visitor experience at a valued community asset.
What You’ll Do
Lead Zoo Operations and Staff
- Provide day-to-day leadership to Zoo Specialists, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers
- Assist with scheduling, workflow coordination, staff training, and performance feedback
- Support budgeting, procurement, inventory management, and operational planning
Support Animal Care and Welfare
- Perform and oversee routine husbandry for captive wild and domesticated animals
- Prepare diets and feed animals according to established schedules
- Monitor animal health, behavior, enrichment, and breeding activity
- Maintain accurate records related to animal care, health, and compliance
- Assist with veterinary care, animal restraint and transfer, and exhibit inspections
- Recommend improvements to animal care practices and daily work processes
- Ensure compliance with animal welfare standards, safety procedures, USDA/DNR regulations, and City policies
Engage Visitors and Advance Programming
- Interact with visitors and represent the Zoo at community events
- Lead the development and delivery of educational and conservation programs
- Educate the public on animals, conservation, and zoo policies
- Support public use supervision, attendance tracking, and visitor survey efforts
- Help train seasonal staff, volunteers, and interns involved in programming
Maintain Facilities and Grounds
- Assist with facility and grounds maintenance throughout the zoo
- Perform landscaping, cleaning, snow removal, mowing, trimming, painting, and general upkeep
- Support exhibit construction, repairs, habitat enhancements, and minor construction projects
- Assist with exhibit design, graphics, natural landscaping, and zoo operational procedures
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, wildlife management, environmental science, or a related field
- Three to five years of professional animal husbandry experience, preferably with North American species
- Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience
- Valid driver’s license
Preferred Background
- Experience with exhibit construction, basic carpentry, facility repairs, or grounds maintenance
- Experience with animal capture, restraint, and control equipment, including tranquilization equipment
- Familiarity with USDA, DNR, or AZA standards
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Strong knowledge of animal care, handling, behavior, and husbandry for mammals, birds, reptiles, and other species
- Knowledge of animal welfare, enrichment, preventive health, habitat management, and species-specific diets
- Understanding of zoo safety practices, animal care records, and applicable state and federal regulations
- Knowledge of conservation, wildlife management, zoological, and interpretation principles
- Knowledge of enclosure, building, grounds, and horticultural maintenance practices
- Ability to develop and present educational programs for diverse audiences
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, teamwork, and supervisory skills
- Ability to troubleshoot operational issues and perform physically demanding work in varying weather conditions
Why Join Menominee Park Zoo?
This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on:
- Animal welfare and quality care
- Conservation and public education
- Staff development and daily zoo operations
- A positive visitor experience for the Oshkosh community
If you are an experienced animal care professional who enjoys leadership, public engagement, and hands-on work in a dynamic zoo environment, we encourage you to apply.
Pay: $30.35 - $34.68 per hour
Benefits:
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
