Zoological Supervisor

zoological supervisor

busch gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!

zoological care supervisor

title: zoological care supervisor
employee class: full time hourly

position summary: the zoological care supervisor is responsible for the overall daily husbandry, maintenance, and training of a diverse animal collection. The successful applicant must be team‑oriented with a positive, supportive attitude. The supervisor will supervise daily animal care logistics and operations in an assigned area, supporting and mentoring zoological specialists and husbandry assistants toward growth and development. The supervisor will also work alongside other members of the management team to support zoo needs, evolve guest interactions for increased guest satisfaction, and promote conservation through exceptional animal care.

• perform as a frontline supervisory position.
• supervise and mentor team members on required husbandry procedures, training methods, and safety guidelines through active participation.
• ensure the team provides excellent guest experience and engages in all aspects of guest interaction programs both on and off property.
• offer solution‑mindful and professional discussion for effective and open communication with team members, management, and other park departments.
• exchange and follow up on information.
• maintain proper staffing of animal area(s) through effective scheduling and flexible work shifts.
• support and adhere to the zoo’s guiding principles (staff development and culture, conservation and education, sustainable population planning, animal behavior management, animal health, and animal welfare).
• maintain area maintenance: submit work orders, track project/repair completions, communicate needs to the assigned zoological curator, and participate in exhibit modification development.
• assist in promoting, developing, and completing research projects as opportunities arise.
• communicate professionally and effectively with ambassadors and guests.
• ensure safe daily operations and compliance with park quality, safety, and husbandry standards.
• maintain team member morale and motivation in assigned area(s) and throughout the department when applicable.
• participate in developing and implementing short‑term planning and long‑range objectives.
• assist management in mentoring, performance evaluations, training plan development, scheduling, daily record‑keeping, and policy and procedure development.
• additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: participations in zoo interviews, assisting management with yearly budget, coordinating animal handling, and planning animal moves and introductions.
• learn and demonstrate zoo safety protocols, standard operating procedures within assigned area(s), zoo mod training, and emergency response procedures.

• at least 21 years of age.
• valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving guidelines.
• at least 7 years of professional zoological experience within a zoological facility (aza preferred) or at least 2 years of internal experience at the senior i zoological specialist level.
• strong work ethic and self‑discipline.
• ability to operate light and possibly heavy equipment including tractors, skid‑steers, mowers, weed‑eaters, trailers, and other equipment as needed.
• ability to work in a physically demanding outdoor environment under various weather conditions.
• ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 lbs as needed.
• physical ability to stand, walk, lift, bend, climb, and squat as required.
• follow all standard operating procedures for the specified area.
• complete all provided sea training as assigned.
• flexibility in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and development opportunities.
• availability for at least 40 hours per week with flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, occasional overnights, and zoo manager on duty…