Facility

Fort Worth Zoo

Closing Date

Description

Summary:
It is the responsibility of this position to lead, oversee and participate in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for the maintenance and care of a variety of animals and enclosures within the Zoo with a special focus on reptiles; to assist veterinary staff as needed; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Work closely with Amphibian Supervisor to direct and oversee MOLA staff and areas daily and primary responsibility to oversee Louisiana Pine Snake Building staff and areas daily, insuring that all SOPs are followed. Aid Aquatic Ectotherms staff and areas as needed.
• Coordinate with Amphibian and Aquatics supervisors and produce weekly staff work schedules, making sure all areas are adequately staffed, venomous coverage is adequate, and all HUB/keeper chats are performed.
• Communicate regularly and cooperate with Amphibian Supervisor and Aquatic Supervisor to oversee all staff and building operations, keeping curators informed.
• Properly maintain building systems, monitor equipment, report for maintenance as directed
• Maintain inventory of building supplies and equipment. Place orders from commissary as needed.
• Check exhibit areas prior to opening to the public and insure exhibits are pristine, interactive exhibits and electronics are functional, and public walkways (in and around building) are free of trash and safety hazards. If needed, assign staff to make improvements or buff exhibit glass.
• Conduct routine checks on all reserve animal enclosures AM and PM, paying special attention to feed cards, log sheets, general body condition of animal, cleanliness of cage and general environmental parameters.
• Ensure keeper work areas are clean and supplied with appropriate equipment and surrounding building areas are being kept free of clutter and debris (i.e. leaf litter, branches, trash, etc.).
• Primary oversight of incubators and Egg Log entries for assigned area.
• Primary oversight of feed card compliance in area.
• Primary oversight of MOLA lighting cycles, bulb rotation, and output monitoring for replacement.
• Work with Veterinary Services to implement quarantine protocols for reptile species and area specimens.
• Train and oversee new keepers, volunteers and interns as directed and assign appropriate duties. Insure interns complete daily journal, research project and conduct performance evaluation at the end of the internship.
• Monitor work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques and compliance with applicable standards and specifications
• Assign or provide appropriate back-up coverage as needed (use check sheet, record observations, accurate communication, clean and feed, etc.)
• Verify staff is maintaining adequate records and following protocols in regards to feeding; weighing; population censuses; egg incubation/tracking; animal behavior, training and enrichment; introduction and breeding; water chemistries; health status and active cases of animals; UV lighting; and LSS maintenance.
• Provide oversight of the department’s Target Species breeding plans and reports. Guide implementation of reptile breeding plans and record keeping in concert with curator(s).
• Coordinate seasonal hibernation schedules with staff and make sure rooms are properly disinfected between use.
• Assign animal sections to keeper staff as needed and review with supervisor prior to transferring animal to different keeper. Once transfers are made insure that new keeper has been properly trained to take care of the new animal.
• Assist supervisors with animal shipments, including pre-shipment testing, packing, and transport.
• Insure research protocols are implemented by staff as assigned.
• Ensure all venomous snake handling policies are followed and all venomous snakes are properly contained.
• Ensure a safe work environment for employees, interns and volunteers. Report safety hazards and unsafe work habits to supervisor.
• Insure MSDS records are obtained for new chemicals and placed in area binders in an organized fashion. Make sure Security base receives a copy of new records.
• Maintain general safety kit supplies and order replacements as needed from Security.
• Work with management to foster positive team environment and communicate orally with staff on a daily basis. Participate in coaching and disciplinary action of staff as needed.
• Participate in pre-employment interviews and annual performance reviews for keepers.
• Help guide staff to work efficiently and manage time appropriately.
• Conduct tours and interviews as requested by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Demonstrates leadership of employees through ongoing training to include applicable laws, Zoo policies, business conduct and ethics and the provision of quality services to guests and employees supporting the highest level of program integrity.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
• Exercise supervision over assigned zoo keeping staff, interns and volunteers for all areas of collection care and professional conduct
• Participate in the selection, hiring, training and evaluation of staff
• Monitor the work environment of staff, participate in the review and implementation of disciplinary action as needed with the Curatorial and Human Resources staff
• Schedule staff; maintain up to date standard operation procedure for assigned areas
• Ensure safe working environment for staff and animals
• Demonstrates leadership of employees through ongoing training to include applicable laws, zoo policies, business conduct and ethics and the provision of quality services to guests and employees supporting the highest level of program integrity

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
Must possess ability to:
• Independently perform the most difficult animal care and handling duties
• Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures
• Work independently in the absence of immediate supervision
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Maintain mental capacity which permits making sound decisions and using good judgment, prioritizing work activities
• Foster and maintain a cohesive team environment

Education and/or Experience:
• Must have 3 years of increasingly responsible zoo keeping experience; minimum of 1-year supervisory experience preferred
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology or related field preferred
• Specialized training in zoology or a related field desirable but not required
• Some taxa related expertise or experience may be assigned to certain categories (venomous reptile experience, experience with incubators or hand rearing)

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or or move 50 pounds, sometimes up to 75 pounds with assistance.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Team oriented environment
• Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold and inclement weather
• Exposure to all types of inclement weather conditions
• Exposure to chemicals (cleaning, water chemicals, additives, etc.)
• Ability to work special events and functions as required

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Apply online at fortworthzoo.org/careers