Animal Care Supervisor

Hogle Zoological Society•Salt Lake City, UT

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will oversee the Small Animal Building, which houses a diverse collection of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Notable species include Arabian Sand Cat, East African Savannah Pouched Rat, Rhinoceros Iguana, and Roseate Spoonbill. The department is currently exploring updates to its long‑term master plan, meaning that facility and collection changes may occur. The successful candidate will have opportunities to play an active role in planning these developments while remaining engaged in ongoing animal care and welfare initiatives. The Animal Care Supervisor directs all personnel involved in the care of the animal collection and reviews, hires and oversees the training of new keeper staff in their zone of supervision. Additionally, the Animal Care Supervisor refines ideas or solution and drives projects to completion. The supervisor ensures compliance with USDA, AZA, state and federal regulations, and oversees all of the daily animal management. At the zoo we look for employees who are passionate about conservation, who approach their daily work with a can-do attitude, who are resourceful, who communicate respectfully with everyone, and are ready to work hard supporting the zoo’s mission of creating champions for wildlife by making connections between people and animals to inspire action.

Requirements

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in zoological science.
Five years of animal care experience in a zoological setting.
Have demonstrated initiative in leading teams to take on new tasks and responsibilities within the department and aiding other departments.
Have demonstrated the ability to foster constructive attitudes and positively influence collaboration and teamwork.
Have demonstrated high level of problem solving and critical thinking skills and have the ability to lead the same in the team.
Possess the characteristics of an Animal Care professional demonstrating competence, professionalism, teamwork, mutual respect and commitment to the mission of the Zoo.
Have demonstrated leadership and mentoring to team members in all aspects of the job. This includes communication, time management and leading the team towards achieving the Zoo’s organizational goals.
Computer operations and technical software applications.
Microsoft Office Suite.
Basic knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping.
Mathematical concepts and logic.
Performs basic mathematical formulas and calculations.
UHZ behavioral husbandry concept, technique and application within first 90 days.
Animals’ natural behavior and husbandry practices.
Animal welfare standards and UHZ’s methods of assessment.
USDA regulations.
AZA standards.
Basic procedures for safely operating hand tools, vehicles, and equipment.
Interpersonal conflict resolution method.
Editing and proofreading.
Effectively promote organization.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Interacting with courtesy, professionalism and respect to staff, volunteers, and guests.
Maintain an organized up-to-date filing database of records.
Follow written and verbal instructions.
Learn new tasks.
Apply critical thinking techniques, analyze and solve problems.
Accept and apply constructive feedback.
Manage stress to perform the job effectively
Prioritize work and manage time effectively
Perform within deadlines.
Stay focused despite interruptions.
Deal with stress caused by deadlines.
Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
Have a memory for details.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a drug-free workplace. All employees are subject to random drug testing.
Provide a negative TB test prior to hire date and maintain TB testing through course of employment.
A current driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

Performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that reflects Utah’s Hogle Zoo (UHZ) mission.
Works closely with Utah’s Hogle Zoo Animal Care Leadership team to ensure high standards of collection management and institutional animal record keeping.
Leadership role in selection, training, supervision, evaluation, discipline and assignment of staff.
Works along-side staff in areas of oversight including cleaning, feeding, training, and conducting animal programs.
Assists animal management with development and implementation of the Zoo’s Institutional Collection Plan.
Coaches and actively participates in interpersonal conflict resolution.
Assists Associate Director of Animal Care with animal acquisitions and dispositions, including coordinating and accompanying shipments.
Actively participates in AZA animal programs and related organizations.
Assumes on a rotational assignment the responsibilities and authorities of running the department in the absence of the Associate Director(s) of Animal Care.
Participate in planning processes, including involvement with other departments.
Monitor exhibits, animals, work areas and staff to ensure proper standards are maintained.
Supervise capture and restraint of animals, as related to moves or veterinary practices.
Ensure compliance with USDA, AZA, state and federal regulations; conduct mock inspections.
Coordinate interdepartmental activities as related to area.
Develop, conduct or coordinate keeper projects.
Compiles documents and completes applications as directed.
Commitment to the zoo’s mission.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Maintains strict confidentiality.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other supplemental insurance.
The Zoo is a part of the Utah Retirement System and makes a 10% contribution to an employee’s retirement. This includes an additional opportunity to make contributions to a 401K plan within URS.
$3000 relocation allowance for qualifying new employees.
Vacation days: New employees accrue up to 13 days annually of vacation time.
Sick days: New employees accrue up to 10 days annually of sick time.
Nine paid holidays in the year.
Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families paid for by the Zoo.
Employee long-term disability insurance paid for by the Zoo.
Various employee reimbursements and contributions including wellness activities and professional development.
Every employee receives a free Zoo Card that allows admission to the employee and up to 5 guests. It also provides free carousel and train rides, as well as free admittance to ZooLights and BooLights.
50% discount on concessions and 33% discount on gift shops items.
Tickets at Work membership, which provides discounts and offers on theme parks, shows, sporting events, and travel.
Awesome coworkers who care about animals and each other!