Animal Care Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY/Primary Objective:

The Supervisor of Animal Care performs all job assignments with a professional and positive attitude that reflects Jungle Island’s mission and vision of connecting people, wildlife and conservation and pursues green/conservation practices when feasible. The Supervisor of Animal Care is a working position. The candidate will be expected to participate in daily tasks/performances as well as supervise the operations of the department.

The Supervisor of Animal Care will also be part of the Zoological Operations Leadership Team and as such, may be asked to perform duties related to leadership of the entire department when necessary. The Supervisor performs a wide variety of functions in the training, handling, and care of exhibit animals, as well as those used for animal encounters, educational presentations, and shows.

This position reports to the Animal Care Curator. The Supervisor must have the ability to understand, create and execute daily plans with little to no supervision, teach the technical components of animal care and husbandry to new team members, coach, or redirect team members as necessary, write team member behavioral reviews, perform general husbandry, clean exhibits, and other areas, as well as a wide variety of moderately difficult tasks.

This position will also be expected to participate and perform in Jungle Island’s “Guardians of the Jungle” stage presentation and other shows as necessary.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Maintain trained behaviors as directed by the Curator Teach less experienced team members the science of animal husbandry

Transport animals as necessary for exhibits, vet procedures, or performances

Work with the Animal Care Curator on exhibit maintenance, food prep, and safety drills

Maintain a high level of team motivation in a positive work environment

Make sound decisions in a challenging, high-paced environment

Comfortably handle animals in the park near guests, on stage, on camera as well as during off-site, public appearances

Participate in “Guardians of the Jungle” and other stage presentations

Order animal food and ensure kitchen cleaning standards are maintained

Maintain area equipment to assure all is in working order

Provide a high degree of customer service while displaying an outgoing personality

Confidently work directly with a wide variety of animals, including mammals, large parrots, birds of prey, and reptiles

Ensure animals are prepared physically and mentally for shows or other performances

Ensure public safety regarding animal exhibits, encounters, and presentations

Perform any necessary cleaning and husbandry at or above accreditation standards

Administer prescribed medication and nutritional supplements as directed by leadership

Maintain feeding, medical, and other records regarding animal care on a daily basis

Conduct special tours

Must be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays as requiredLICENSE/QUALIFICATION SA college degree in any of the biological sciences or psychology is preferred.

Applicants may substitute the equivalent in experience utilizing operant conditioning techniques to train a variety of exotic animals.

At least 3 years of professional experience in training animals, animal handling and husbandry is required.

It is necessary that an applicant’s combined education and experience clearly demonstrate the knowledge and skills outlined. The ability to produce a valid Florida driver license may be required.

SKILLS/APTITUDES:

Familiar with natural histories of a wide range of species

Experienced in animal behavior modification utilizing operant and classical conditioning techniques and can teach them to others

Experience in the care, feeding and handling of exotic animals

Demonstrates safe handling…