Animal Care Supervisor - Avian Specialty

Aza•Tucson, AZ

63d•$55,301 - $64,979•Onsite

About The Position

This job is for the birds! No, really, it is! The Reid Park Zoological Society (Reid Park Zoo) is seeking an experienced animal care supervisor to oversee our bird team! At least three years' supervisory experience, paid experience at an AZA facility, and a Bachelor degree are strongly preferred. Your office is within a lush, garden, parklike setting located in midtown, the heartbeat of Tucson (The Old Pueblo). Reid Park Zoo is an oasis in the desert, filled with mature landscape, large trees, an abundance of shade, and many native varieties of flora and fauna. The zoo is adjacent to a city golf course and park, both of the same name. Your 'real' office is in our award-winning Health Center among our veterinarian staff, animal care leadership, and animal wellbeing leader. Your office is within a lush, garden and parklike setting located in midtown, the heartbeat of Tucson (The Old Pueblo). Reid Park Zoo is an oasis in the desert, filled with mature landscape, large trees, an abundance of shade, and many native varieties of flora and fauna. The zoo is adjacent to a city golf course and park, both of the same name. Your 'real' office is in our award-winning Health Center among our veterinarian staff, animal care leadership, and animal wellbeing leader. Our city boasts stunning high desert valley vistas surrounded by four mountain ranges offering a year-round paradise for cyclists, hikers, bird-watchers and outdoor enthusiasts. Named the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy dedicated in the United States, for its outstanding culinary heritage, sustainable food practices, and creative food culture, the city is a delight for foodies. Explore our thriving and cultural experiences, historic sites, and (yes!) wine country just thirty minutes away. With the University of Arizona and its championship sports, top-notch medical facilities, and affordable housing, Tucson is a great place to bring the family and put down roots- a big city, yet with a comfortable, small-town feel. With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is a leader in the songbird and monarch SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) programs to name a few recognitions. Attracting 600,000 guests annually, the Zoo is the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026. The job is: Mentoring, developing, supervising and evaluating a team of Zoo Keepers. The supervisor is responsible for overseeing several animal areas of the zoo and all associated records. Specifically, we have a growing bird collection. This position will be responsible for assisting with collection planning as it relates to the two free-flight aviaries, flamingo flock and habitats in the new Asia section of the zoo, and possibly assisting with avian Ambassador Animal collection. At times, this position may be doing direct animal care and habitat enhancements. This position works collaboratively with the veterinarian team plus Facilities and Education departments. This is hands-on position in a fast-paced environment of a growing organization. You are: dependable, reliable, detail-oriented, committed to animal well-being, experienced, and have a passion for wild animals and wild places!

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years supervising Zoo Keepers required
5 years in animal care at an AZA-accredited facility and a bachelor's degree (biological science related) OR Associate's degree plus 8 years' experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience
Current, valid, unrestricted driver's license
COVID booster (most current booster)
Proof of negative TB test at hire; OR pre-employment (company-paid) TB test and annual renewals
Complete all onboarding requirements, including a pre-hire criminal background check and drug screen (we do not test for THC)
Regular, consistent attendance on site
Reliable and able to work to a schedule
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to take direction, constructive feedback and be quick to act or change direction as needed
Reliable and able to work to a schedule
Provide excellent customer service
Must be able to work a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
Stand and walk for long periods of time
Repetitious motions with hands
Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time

Nice To Haves

Expertise with avian care preferred
Experience working with a wide range of species
Additional years supervisory experience
Bilingual (Spanish / ASL)

Responsibilities

Supervises, trains, schedules and mentors Zoo Keepers in their work. Direct reports may vary from 5-7 Zoo Keepers depending on the workload of the areas.
Oversees a subset of the collection animals with regards to wellness, health, training, enrichment, daily care and all related documentation.
Assists with collection planning. Reviews animal records and assists with animal transactions.
Conducts preventative maintenance and ensures safety in work areas.
Works collaboratively with the welfare committee, training & enrichment committee, education department, events team and safety team.
Completes all training as required. These may include but are not limited to job specific training, safety, zoonotic disease, blood borne pathogens, animal enrichment, animal training, conservation, Species Survival Plan (SSP), active shooter, DEI, radio protocol, CPR/ First Aid, hand tool usage and heavy equipment operation such as skid steer/ forklift truck etc.
Delivers annual performance reviews for Zoo Keepers and provides work plan goals for the coming year. Provides timely feedback on performance throughout the year.
Participates in recruitment, selection and hiring decisions. Is involved in promotion and status changes and makes recommendations.
Supervises and schedules Zoo Keepers.
Trains and coaches Zoo Keepers and ensure compliance with safety policies and practices.
Participates in employee relations concerns in partnership with Human Resources and direct supervisor.
Coaches and mentors less experienced Zoo Keepers & provides development opportunities to increase depth and span of experience.
Completes 90-day reviews for new hire Zoo Keepers and creates a work plan with goals.
Comfortable with animal data software systems such as ZIMS and ZooMonitor.
Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies
Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
Follows zoo safety protocols and procedures.

Benefits

This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time, retirement plan, zoo membership, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.

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