Zookeeper Supervisor

Job Code: 32000745
Salary Grade: NC06
Revision Date: 12/2021

Class Concept

This is supervisory work involving management of professional Zookeepers and assigned wildlife animal collections/exhibits at the North Carolina Zoo. Directs and coordinates the daily activities of staff, identifies, and prioritizes animal care issues and problems. Duties include developing and implementing standard operational procedures, providing guidance in areas of animal husbandry and operations, and serving as liaison between front line staff, animal management and veterinary staff. Position conducts educational programs to the public regarding the animal's ecology, key conservation issues and exhibit themes or natural history Position is responsible for ensuring assigned animal areas meets Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) standards and regulations regarding health and behavior monitoring and assessment, feeding, animal/exhibit holding hygiene, safety, containment, animal records, administering prescribed preventative medical procedures and medical treatments, environmental enrichment, and operant conditioning. Facilitates in the hiring and performance management process, develops work schedules, trains, and mentors staff and interns.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of industry standard husbandry techniques.
• Working knowledge of basic animal biology, anatomy, and physiology.
• Working knowledge of animal's natural history and behavior.
• Working knowledge of life support systems and operations.
• Ability to conduct written and oral informal public presentations.
• Ability to supervise staff in a diverse environment.
• Ability to physically capture, handle and restrain live wild and potentially dangerous animals with use of associated capture equipment.
• Skills in identifying and interpreting subtle changes in animal health and behavior.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, natural sciences, or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of progressive experience working in a zoo-based or related animal care facility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.