Position: Area Supervisor
Status: Full Time; FLSA Salary Exempt
Department: Animal
Reports to: Curator of Animals
POSITION OVERVIEW
Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. It is also home to the Sea Turtle Healing Center for rehabilitation of wild marine turtles. Brevard Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation ethic and unique attractions, such as kayaking through the Africa area, giraffe feeding, and rhinoceros and lemur encounters.
The Area Supervisor assists the Curators in managing the daily care of zoo animals and the maintenance of zoo exhibits and enclosures located in assigned area. This is a working supervisor position which consists of daily keeper work in addition to supervising a team of zookeepers. Must be able to work as an integral part of the zoo team and communicate effectively with co-workers, management, and guests. This position specifically oversees the primate section of the Americas team. The section includes New World Primates, various avian species and a few reptile species.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
- At least three years of experience in an AZA accredited zoo or aquarium
- Experience working with and overseeing the care of primates, avian species and mixed species and/or rotating habitat spaces.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a capacity for working with people with diverse backgrounds, views, and work styles.
- Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload/projects to meet deadlines.
- Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful and maintain flexible work hours that will serve the needs of the Zoo.
- Able to operate independently, exercise initiative, and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow-up.
- Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
- Ability to drive a vehicle and run small machinery.
- Able to handle and restrain a wide variety of animals.
- Computer competency and proficiency with Microsoft and Adobe programs.
PREFERRED/DESIRED:
- Ability to utilize Species 360/ZIMs
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognized four-year college or university
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Maximize the wellness of resident animals by applying the most up-to-date research and advanced understanding in animal care, zoo husbandry, and exhibit design to ensure each animal thrives.
- Continually observes and evaluates animal behavior, social interaction, feeding and breeding to promote optimal animal health and reports pertinent information of Animal Managers.
- Record and update all necessary run related paperwork, including animal records.
- Works closely with Animal Managers to recommend animal exhibit designs and improvements that meet or exceed all industry standards.
- Direct and indirect supervision of assigned staff to support internal and external collaborative initiatives including delegating tasks to direct and indirect reports as appropriate and training and performance management of staff.
- Assigns, coordinates, evaluates, and manages staff to ensure the well-being of a diverse animal collection and provides a safe and enjoyable visitor experience.
- Effectively recommends or completes personnel actions including hiring, termination, discipline and grievance responses, completes probationary and regular annual employee performance evaluations.
- Must conduct regular run meetings to communicate upcoming changes, events, and ensure important information is passed on to staff.
- Coordinate event requests and serve as Animal MOD at events when needed.
- Represent the zoo for media events as requested and follow all related protocols.
- Be a leader and mentor to staff including new keepers, apprentice keepers, and interns.
- Must write, update, and enforce husbandry and safety operating procedures.
- Participate in Brevard Zoo animal welfare training course and complete welfare assessments based on those standards. Assist in creating and implementing actionable items to improve animal welfare.
- Effectively communicate with keeper staff, managers, and other members of the organization, to support the overall needs of the department and the organization.
- Comply with and enforce zoo wide safety protocols and procedures and address potential hazards for staff, visitors, and resident animals.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Operant Conditioning
- Animal handling and restraint
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
(M) Medium Work
Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects as needed to move objects.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/HAZARDS:
Indoor office environment most often with frequent movement outdoors. Exposure to extreme heat and weather conditions. Requires Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, Finger Dexterity, Talking, Hearing, and Visual Acuity frequently.
WORK SCHEDULE:
May be required to work weekends and nights as necessary.
TRAVEL: travel may be necessary for animal transports, professional development
The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Zoo’s policies on evaluation of personnel.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement
East Coast Zoological Society of Florida, Inc., dba Brevard Zoo, is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, transfer, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment.
Employees and applicants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, and retaliation for reporting such concerns is strictly prohibited.
Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.
