Animal Care Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY/Primary Objective:  

The Supervisor of Animal Care performs all job assignments with a professional and positive attitude that reflects Jungle Island’s mission and vision of connecting people, wildlife and conservation and pursues green/conservation practices when feasible. The Supervisor of Animal Care is a working position.  The candidate will be expected to participate in daily tasks/performances as well as supervise the operations of the department.  The Supervisor of Animal Care will also be part of the Zoological Operations Leadership Team and as such, may be asked to perform duties related to leadership of the entire department when necessary.  The Supervisor performs a wide variety of functions in the training, handling, and care of exhibit animals, as well as those used for animal encounters, educational presentations, and shows. This position reports to the Animal Care Curator. The Supervisor must have the ability to understand, create and execute daily plans with little to no supervision, teach the technical components of animal care and husbandry to new team members, coach, or redirect team members as necessary, write team member behavioral reviews, perform general husbandry, clean exhibits, and other areas, as well as a wide variety of moderately difficult tasks. This position will also be expected to participate and perform in Jungle Island’s “Guardians of the Jungle” stage presentation and other shows as necessary.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain trained behaviors as directed by the Curator
• Teach less experienced team members the science of animal husbandry
• Transport animals as necessary for exhibits, vet procedures, or performances
• Work with the Animal Care Curator on exhibit maintenance, food prep, and safety drills
• Maintain a high level of team motivation in a positive work environment
• Make sound decisions in a challenging, high-paced environment
• Comfortably handle animals in the park near guests, on stage, on camera as well as during off-site, public appearances
• Participate in “Guardians of the Jungle” and other stage presentations
• Order animal food and ensure kitchen cleaning standards are maintained
• Maintain area equipment to assure all is in working order
• Provide a high degree of customer service while displaying an outgoing personality
• Confidently work directly with a wide variety of animals, including mammals, large parrots, birds of prey, and reptiles
• Ensure animals are prepared physically and mentally for shows or other performances
• Ensure public safety regarding animal exhibits, encounters, and presentations
• Perform any necessary cleaning and husbandry at or above accreditation standards
• Administer prescribed medication and nutritional supplements as directed by leadership
• Maintain feeding, medical, and other records regarding animal care on a daily basis
• Conduct special tours
• Must be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays as required

LICENSE/QUALIFICATIONS

• A college degree in any of the biological sciences or psychology is preferred. 
• Applicants may substitute the equivalent in experience utilizing operant conditioning techniques to train a variety of exotic animals.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in training animals, animal handling and husbandry is required.
•  It is necessary that an applicant’s combined education and experience clearly demonstrate the knowledge and skills outlined. The ability to produce a valid Florida driver license may be required.

SKILLS/APTITUDES:

• Familiar with natural histories of a wide range of species
• Experienced in animal behavior modification utilizing operant and classical conditioning techniques and can teach them to others
• Experience in the care, feeding and handling of exotic animals
• Demonstrates safe handling practices with a variety of exotic animals

• Identify notable behavior and adapt behavioral plan to maximize training output
• Able to perform in Jungle Island animal shows and events
• Great communication skills
• Keep health and behavioral records as required
• Able to identify area shortfalls and create and execute a plan to correct issues
• Communicate and work effectively with others
• Be prompt, professional and positive in all aspects of the job
• Provide world-class guest experiences
• Operate motorized equipment and vehicles

• Be an ambassador for Jungle Island inside and outside of the park
• Capable of lifting 50lbs standing, bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching; can work on uneven terrain and move around on slippery surfaces
• Can handle frequent exposure to predictable and controllable hazards associated with close contact with a wide variety of animals (including large animals, birds, and reptiles); dust, and allergens; handle hazardous materials; work in cramped or confined spaces
• Must be able to work outside, in all weather conditions