Hoofstock Supervisor

Emirates Park Zoo; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoo in the UAE seeks a Hoof Stock Supervisor to oversee operations related to giraffe and hoof stock management. Responsibilities include supervising staff, ensuring animal welfare, and participating in educational programs. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of animal care experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work outdoors in various conditions. This role supports the zoo's mission through direct animal care and staff training.

Qualifications

• At least 3–5 years of prior animal care experience.
• Good communication skills and enthusiasm for public interaction.
• Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather.

Responsibilities

• Supervise keepers and daily operations.
• Oversee daily animal husbandry.
• Participate in record keeping and educational programs.

Skills

Exhibit design and enrichment

Health and safety

Good leadership and management skills

Excellent computer skill

Presentation skills

Interpersonal communication

Reporting skills

Education

High school zoology or related field

Job description

Overview

Hoof stock supervisor to oversee the daily operations of a portion of the zoo's animal collection focusing on giraffe and hoof stock. Area to be managed is primarily hoof stock but also includes other taxa.

Responsibilities

• Supervise keepers in assigned areas including daily work scheduling, training, performance evaluations and hiring with line manager.
• Develop and mentor progress of keepers.
• Oversee medication administration prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Oversee daily animal husbandry including but not limited to cleaning, feeding, watering, securing, training, observing and enrichment.
• Participate in record keeping and maintaining exhibits.
• Assist in development and delivery of educational programs formally through Education Department and informally through interaction with zoo guests; assist with tours for guests, staff and volunteers; may assist in research projects.
• Assures feeding schedules and dietary requirements are met.
• Oversee, coordinate and manage breeding programmes, reproduction and neonate care programs.
• Participate in pest control plan and operations.
• May assist managers as required.
• Provide support and guidance to hoofstock keepers.
• Generate work requests and coordinate completion.
• Ensure accurate and complete records of animal activities.
• Support the goals of EPZ departments, collection plan, strategic and Master Plans.
• Prepare purchase requisitions for equipment and supplies.
• Oversee/coordinate animal introductions, moves, restraints and shipments.
• Accompany veterinary staff on medical rounds and assure procedures are followed.
• Discuss morbidity and mortality with veterinary staff.
• Regularly inspect and observe assigned collection for overall health and welfare.
• Train and coach staff regarding media contact, conflict resolution and appropriate guest and customer relations.
• Provide marketing material.
• Participate in required lectures, seminars and workshops as part of the job.
• Provide on‑job training for keepers.
• Ensure effective implementation of the health and safety policies and regulations.
• Prepare reports as required by the line manager.
• Prepare annual work plans for the assigned area.
• Observe animals to detect illnesses and injuries and notify vet/health‑care department of findings.
• Involve in transfers of animals from one enclosure to another for breeding, birth, rearrangement of exhibits or shipping if needed.
• Handle captures and restrain animals.
• Participate in establishing animal collection plan, studbooks, identification, surplus list and record keeping.
• Visitor interactions including scheduled on‑ground talks to guests, answering visitor questions concerning animals and habits.
• Maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures to ensure safety for animals and visitors.
• Complete daily worksheets listing amount of food eaten, etc.
• Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection, including training, enrichment, research and education.
• Actively foster constructive attitudes and a team orientation among staff.
• May assist vets in treatment of animals for illnesses and injuries.
• Any other relevant duties assigned by the line manager and/or zoo manager.

Requirements

• High school zoology or related field is preferred.
• At least 3–5 years of prior animal care experience at a controlled environment facility.
• Good communication skills and enthusiasm for interacting with the public and a willingness to give regular talks to visitors, special groups, etc.
• Must be able to function as a team member and support zoo’s mission.
• Must be dependable and demonstrate flexibility regarding work schedules.
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays and some evening events.
• Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• English is required; Arabic is preferred.
• Must be willing to work with different cultures and nationalities.
• Must be able to perform strenuous work and lift at least 50 KG repetitively (bending, lifting, etc.).
• Good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Exemplifies the highest standard of work ethics.

Skills

• Exhibit design and enrichment
• Biosafety procedures
• Health and safety
• Good leadership and management skills
• Excellent computer skill
• Presentation skills
• Reporting skills
• Interpersonal communication and team work
• Communicate effectively in English (verbal and written)