Animal Care Supervisor: Australian Adventure (Full-Time)

Fort Wayne Zoo•Fort Wayne, IN

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Supervisor is a full-time, working leadership position responsible for direct supervision of employees and coordination of daily operations in the Australian Adventure and Ambassador Animals area. The position requires a 40-hour work week year-round, with an expected allocation of 70% field work and 30% administrative duties. The supervisor also assists with other Zoo operations as required, embodies the Zoo’s values, and contributes to positive guest experiences. This role oversees animal care and welfare, staff assignments and development, animal-area facilities, budgets, and operational coordination. It includes performing Animal Care Specialist duties as needed, engaging guests through presentations and informal interactions, and supporting the Zoo’s commitment to diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging. The position requires a highly flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and irregular hours. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related field, three years of experience in a zoological setting, and a valid driver’s license. The work involves indoor and outdoor settings, variable and sometimes inclement weather, animal handling, and potential exposure to hazardous materials, dangerous or venomous animals, zoonotic diseases, and other environmental hazards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related field.
Three years of experience in a zoological setting.
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of advanced animal care and handling, operant conditioning, and behavioral enrichment.
Knowledge of the natural history of species under direct care.
Knowledge of animal welfare concepts and ability to assess the welfare of individual animals or groups.
Ability to endure high-stress situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals.
Ability to identify native trees and shrubs when providing browse to animals.
Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing work environment.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively in writing and to build effective working relationships with team members, volunteers, partners, and the community.
Ability to troubleshoot, analyze situations, make sound business decisions, make independent decisions, and manage time effectively.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software, general office procedures, and correct grammar and sentence structure.
Strong organizational skills and ability to track and manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Ability to train, supervise, and lead team members; delegate responsibilities; and build a positive, respectful culture of teamwork, collaboration, and accountability.
Ability to work a highly flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and irregular hours.
Ability to handle confidential information and understand and follow safety regulations.
Ability to maintain reliable attendance and arrive as scheduled.
Ability to represent the Fort Wayne Zoological Society and Fort Wayne Zoo professionally, and to respond tactfully and politely to guest questions and misbehavior.
Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones.
Ability to travel assigned areas several times daily, enter assigned areas, and work in confined spaces with coworkers.
Ability to handle and restrain a variety of small animals in a program setting.
Ability to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand and sit for periods of time and move intermittently throughout the workday.
Ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in extreme temperatures and inclement weather, including wet, icy, or muddy conditions.
Ability to work with possible exposure to hazardous materials, fumes and odors, dirt and dust, potentially dangerous or venomous animals, zoonotic diseases, noxious native plants, and native biting insects and arthropods.

Nice To Haves

Depending on the assigned area, demonstrated ability in water systems, filtration systems, large carnivores, great apes, operant conditioning, or other experience relevant to the assigned area.

Responsibilities

Conduct daily rounds to ensure essential tasks are completed and animal welfare standards are maintained.
Assist the Area Curator in implementing goals and objectives with staff.
Oversee animal health monitoring, evaluate observations, and seek assistance as needed.
Prepare written reports and records.
Manage the maintenance and operation of animal exhibits and holding facilities, coordinating repairs with the maintenance department.
Track budgets and expenses for animal functions in the assigned area.
Perform or supervise veterinary treatments as directed by the Area Curator and Zoo veterinarians.
Perform Animal Care Specialist duties as required.
Conduct and document regular animal welfare assessments.
Engage guests informally and through presentations such as Keeper Chats, Wild Encounters, and VIP tours.
Operate vehicles to transport supplies, equipment, and animals within the Zoo and between facilities.
Assist with Zoo maintenance, operations, and education functions as needed.
Support and embody the Zoo’s commitment to diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging.
Assist with special projects and support other team members.
Contribute actively to positive guest experiences.
Supervise, coach, and train animal staff; ensure work complies with Zoo procedures, policies, and applicable regulations.
Develop and direct daily and weekly work assignments and projects.
Determine weekly staffing schedules, approve timecards and paid days off, and adjust schedules as staffing needs change.
Partner with People Services to determine staffing needs; interview, hire, and orient employees; administer evaluations; and conduct coaching, disciplinary, and termination conferences.
Provide support and supervision to team members.