GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under general supervision, supervise staff assigned to the care and husbandry of zoo animals. 

TYPICAL DUTIES:
Oversee animal feeding, exhibitry, sheltering and handling. Involves: Directing and aiding others in the husbandry, care, refinement and development, positive conditioning training, environmental enrichment, and feeding and watering of zoo animals. Monitor animals for illness, injury or unusual behavior and take appropriate action. Assist with veterinary care. Help and direct others in the capture, restraint and transport of animals for veterinary and collections staff to administer treatments. Keep detailed records of animal behavior, physical condition, reproduction, genealogy and other animal information. Ensure proper maintenance of animal exhibit and off-exhibit areas. Routinely inspect animal enclosures, service areas and facilities for cleanliness, sanitation and structural defects. Coordinate repairs with maintenance. 
 
Coordinate the shipment of animals. Involves: Set up flights to transport animals to and from other zoos or other entities. Provide flight information to staff and the shipping or receiving entity. Ensure that appropriate paperwork including medical records, keeper forms, and diet information accompany animal. Prepare animal and appropriate shipping container for shipment. Communicate with the other entity regarding the status of animal being transferred. 
 
Perform administrative duties. Involves: Obtain budget information and provide detailed, written reports.    Attend meetings and make recommendations to management for modifications and improvements in staff assignments, animal care, animal programming, and other animal management and facility management practices and procedures. Requisition animal food and supplies. Assume leadership role in emergency response situations as needed. Provide information about the zoo, its animals, programs and facilities to internal and external customers and the public as needed. Input information into various computer software programs and prepare appropriate reports. 
 
Supervise assigned staff. Involves: Supervise directly and through subordinate staff. Schedule, assign, instruct, guide and check work. Appraise employee performance. Provide training and development. Enforce personnel rules and regulations and work behavior standards firmly and impartially. Counsel, motivate and maintain harmony. Interview applicants. Recommend hiring, termination, discipline, merit pay or other employee status changes. Enforce animal and staff safety standards.