Trouble Makers Cove Supervisor

Tanganyika Wildlife Park • Goddard, KS

7d

About The Position

The Trouble Maker’s Cove Supervisor leads a team responsible for the care of a varied animal collection that includes African penguins, two-toed sloths, otters, porcupines, lemurs, siamangs, gibbons, and a Burmese python. The department also has a successful penguin chick breeding program. The supervisor provides leadership and accountability while overseeing animal welfare, training, enrichment, health care, and daily husbandry, and helps improve husbandry practices and animal programs. The role supports guest experiences and conservation awareness, develops team members through coaching and mentorship, and collaborates with other departments, including Nutrition and Veterinary teams.

This is a year-round, full-time position. The starting salary is $42,848 per year, with pay modifiers for prior keeper and leadership experience. A professional development program allows keepers to improve their skills and earn additional compensation.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of paid experience in the zoological field.
• Experience working with animal species listed in the department description.
• Excellent public speaking and customer service skills.
• Ability to stand or walk and perform physical work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and lift 50–75 pounds when necessary.
• Ability to work long hours, weekdays, weekends, holidays, and every day.

Nice To Haves

• Prior leadership or supervisory experience is strongly preferred.
• Desire to grow as a team member, animal keeper, and person.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, management, and accountability to the team, fostering ownership, collaboration, and growth.
• Create and manage team schedules to support daily operations and appropriate animal coverage.
• Oversee animal wellness, training, enrichment, health care, and daily husbandry, ensuring documentation is accurate and current.
• Collaborate across departments to develop the team, animal programs, and park-wide initiatives.
• Manage and implement diet changes, communicating with Nutrition and Veterinary teams as needed.
• Maintain accurate, proactive supply lists and ensure the department is stocked and prepared.
• Coordinate with the veterinary team to monitor animal health, schedule exams and procedures, communicate updates, and support medical care.
• Provide routine coverage when needed to ensure consistent animal care.
• Coach and mentor team members to support their skills and professional growth.
• Help connect guests with wildlife through meaningful storytelling and experiences that inspire conservation stewardship.

Benefits

• Professional development program that allows keepers to improve their skill set and earn additional pay compensation.
• Pay modifiers for previous keeper and leadership experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed