The Houston Zoo is seeking an experienced, people-oriented individual for the position of Zoo Supervisor in our Children’s Zoo Program Animal Section. The Children’s Zoo is a multi-taxa department housing over 80 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The focus of the collection and the staff is on creating lifelong connections between people and animals. The Program Animal Section within the Children’s Zoo houses an additional 40 species of animals that are used in both onsite and offsite educational programming and presentations.  

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the co-supervision of a staff of 19 keepers, including the selection, development, evaluation, performance management, and scheduling of employees. Supervisors oversee and participate in the daily husbandry (including diets, training, enrichment, propagation, and health care), exhibit maintenance and upkeep, coordination of animal shipments, guest experience, as well as in educational, media, and conservation programs. In addition, the Program Animal Zoo Supervisor will coordinate the activities of trainers and training teams and will be responsible for training staff, volunteers, and animals for presentations. Other duties for this position are outlined in the job description below.
 
The successful candidate for this position will be a motivated, energetic, and a team-oriented individual with good problem solving, written/oral communication, and organizational/interpersonal skills. This candidate must have experience managing similar programs, must have an extensive background in operant conditioning with a variety of taxa, excellent public speaking and presentation skills, and must be comfortable speaking on camera for media presentations. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:
•	Directs personnel, including volunteers, in the care, maintenance and display of domestic and exotic animals.
•	Responsible for the selection, development, evaluation, and performance management of direct reports. 
•	Directs, organizes, prioritizes, and schedules work assignments within section. 
•	Observes and evaluates the physical and behavioral condition of animals; documents and communicates to Curator and/or veterinarians as appropriate. 
•	Improves the quality of life of the animal collection by providing environmental and behavioral enrichment opportunities.
•	Trains select animals using operant conditioning techniques for the purposes of husbandry procedures, veterinary treatment, and educational presentations; coordinates activities of individual trainers and training teams.
•	Designs and maintains exhibit furnishings, props and decorations providing safe, attractive and enriching environments. 
•	Works with Facilities, Horticulture, and other departments to maintain and improve exhibits, holding areas, and guest areas.
•	Participates in the development of animal handling guidelines, educational programming and materials to communicate with and educate visitors about animals and conservation.
•	Provides direct animal care as needed for health and well-being of animals within assigned areas.
•	In collaboration with the Curator and veterinary staff, may participate in medical procedures and administer medication as directed.
•	Develops and implements standard operating guidelines.
•	May serve as an institutional representative for selected species to national taxa advisory groups, attending conferences and meetings as required.
•	Directly involved in acquisition/disposition of specific animals.
•	Initiates requisitions for equipment and supplies.
•	Works closely with Education, Public Relations, and Special Events departments to coordinate talks, tours, and animal encounters for a wide variety of events, media opportunities, and VIP groups.    
•	Oversees animal management record-keeping and documentation, using TRACKS, Microsoft Office applications, and other programs to track detailed information and keep records for animals and staff. 

SUPERVISION:	
This position reports to the Children’s Zoo Curator and oversees a team of animal care staff.

PHYSICAL EFFORT/SKILL:
This position may require moderate physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping, repetitive motions, lifting heavy objects (up to 50 pounds), or standing for long periods. This position may require the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture, or inclement weather. This position may involve exposure to zoonotic disease, chemical substances or physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns. This individual may be required to work around potentially dangerous animals.

PUBLIC CONTACT:
This position involves extensive contact with the public, donors, Zoo Members, and the media, requiring excellent interpersonal skills and an appreciation of the importance of guest service. 
