Wild Encounters Supervisor

Cincinnati Zoo•Cincinnati, OH

16h•Onsite

About The Position

This position advances Cincinnati Zoo’s mission and values by directly supporting the Zoo’s Wild Encounters program in this supervisor position. Working with the Wild Encounters program, you will have the opportunity to have hands-on experience in several different visitor engagement areas. The goal of this unique department is to create genuine and memorable experiences for our visitors by bringing them "close enough to care" through animal stations, interactions, and chats.

Requirements

Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment drug & nicotine screen and satisfactory background investigation.
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and push or pull carts.
This position may include driving a zoo vehicle, a valid Driver’s License and insurable driving record is required.
All employees of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden must wear a mask for the duration of their shift and while on grounds. (Subject to current COVID-19 policies.)
Employees will be exposed to outside weather conditions and must be able to lift/move/carry up to 50 pounds without assistance.
The ability to work a flexible schedule (including weekends and evenings) is required.
To be considered, candidates must be at least 18 years of age or older.
Position and hours vary seasonally based on visitor attendance and zoo operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in a life science preferred, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Prior animal handling, education, and interpretation experience, especially in a zoo setting, is preferred.
Public speaking experience preferred, a desire to engage and inspire visitors is required.
Strong leadership and scheduling experience highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintains intimate knowledge of daily operations, routines, and ambassador animal handling.
Supervises team performance and accountability through regular involvement with day to day operations, training, and roll call.
Check in on teammates often, sharing and receiving feedback in a timely and organized way – leading by example is a key component to success.
The supervisor is present and available to all team members daily and will support the team to foster a positive, productive, supportive, and innovative atmosphere.
Identifies and addresses team health and culture, in tandem with team manager and co- supervisors.
Works proactively to communicate and problem-solve with team members, cross-department zoo staff, and volunteers through in-person meetings, emails, and phone calls.
Assists with the training of part-time staff, volunteers, and interns.
Creates and adjusts daily schedules in accordance with programmatic needs.
Clearly communicates job expectations and addresses tardiness, absence, conflicts, or any other staffing issues that may arise.
Sets priorities for the team that are in alignment with animal welfare and visitor experience as a top priority in all aspects of what we do.
Supports giraffe feeding, Roo Valley, goat yard, butterfly aviary, Behind-The-Scenes tours, and other animal experiences as needed
Challenges status quo to develop the best visitor experience possible and continues to coach team members on best communication and interpretation practices.
Checks in with all team members at their proper roll call times
Communicates with team members in a timely manner, shares information with manager in a timely manner.
Giraffe feeding operation maintenance – ensures opening and closing happen properly and timely and ensures lettuce refills happen properly.
Roo valley – supervises open and close SOP; ensure doors are locked, and care staff have updates from our team.
Ensure chemicals, keys, and zoo property are stored and accounted for each day.
Monitors summer internships, including developing and evaluating an intern project.
Monitors the Ambassador Animal scheduling for onsite and offsite programs. Monitors and reviews animal usage.
With direction from the team manager, will support animal appearances on and off Zoo property when events arise.
Develops a working relationship with ambassador animals with animal welfare and animal excellence at top of mind, as well as creating and supporting the best visitor experience possible.
Evaluates program status and progress, provides reports and makes recommendations about ways to improve and maintain our program and operations.
Supports a variety of guest experience, corporate event, and onsite and offsite educational programs, including media and special events.
Represents CZBG to the community in a professional and positive manner.
Demonstrates our Zoo’s core values in your leadership.
Holds team members accountable for demonstrating how we act and behave as CZBG employees.