Supervisor, Sea Lions & Penguins

Houston Zoo•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Supervisor will oversee both Animal Keepers and the animals within the department, ensuring excellence in care and operations. This role involves active participation in daily husbandry, training, and maintenance tasks, including SCUBA or surface-supplied diving. The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator and a visible, supportive leader for the team.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from four-year college or university in zoology, biology, animal husbandry or a related field
Experience and education may be considered equivalent at the rate of six months of experience per 15 hours of college level credit, up to 60 hours.
A certificate of completion from an acceptable animal care program may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
Minimum of six years employment experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility. Supervisory and/or leadership experience is desirable.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently under minimal supervision.
Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license.
Must possess the ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted.
Open Water SCUBA certification is required. The ability to serve regularly as a part of the dive team is critical.
Strong interpersonal, team building, and communication skills are essential.
Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is a requirement for this position.

Responsibilities

Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and serves as an inspiration for guests and staff to do likewise.
Collaborates with the team and institution to develop and refine programming and materials, focusing on animals and conservation. Responsible for the health and welfare of all animals within assigned areas.
Possesses a high-level of skill in operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under the supervisor’s care.
Communicates with veterinary staff to help develop and refine best practices in animal husbandry and welfare.
Ensures animal records and ZIMS entries are accurate and up to date.
Ensures regulations are followed within standards of USDA, OSHA and AZA.
Assists with coordination and implementation of animal transports.
Ability to communicate professionally and efficiently with all levels of management.
Communicates with other facilities regarding animal management.
Assists with institutional and departmental projects and initiatives.
Communicates with maintenance staff on project management including completion and tracking of active work orders.
Creates schedules, assuring adequate coverage in all areas.
Evaluates performance of zookeepers routinely to assist with growth.
Demonstrates strong team building and problem-solving skills.
Supervises the selection, training, development, appraisal, and work assignments of personnel.
Participates in appropriate AZA/SSP meetings/communication.
Ultimately responsible for volunteers and interns and works in collaboration with department keepers to manage volunteer and intern programs as necessary.
Manages and approves time sheets and vacation submittals.
Orders supplies while ensuring the department stays within an approved budget.
Creates new Standard Operating Procedures as necessary and refines procedures as necessary.
As appropriate, maintains water quality through filtration, balance of chemical elements, and sanitation methods for aquatic or semi-aquatic animal species, and maintains open communication with the water quality team.
Performs other duties as necessary.