ANIMAL CARE SUPERVISOR

Joia Beach Club; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Jungle Island in Miami is seeking a Supervisor of Animal Care to lead daily animal care operations, train staff, and participate in performances and educational presentations. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring the ability to work with a wide range of species and to ensure safety for guests and animals.

The role demands experience in animal training, behavior modification, and capable communication while maintaining meticulous records and contributing to a dynamic public program at the

Qualifications

• A college degree in biological sciences or psychology preferred.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in training animals, handling and husbandry.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver license if required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily animal care tasks and staff.
• Maintain feeding, medical, and behavior records for animals.
• Contribute to stage shows, educational presentations, and public appearances.
• Ensure public safety around exhibits and during shows.
• Order animal food and maintain kitchen cleanliness.
• Transport animals for exhibits, procedures, or performances as needed.

Skills

Animal behavior modification

Operant conditioning

Classical conditioning

Animal handling

Communication skills

Record keeping

Team supervision

Public speaking

Safety procedures

Physical fitness

Education

Biology or Psychology degree

Job description

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 CuratorTeach less experienced team members the science of animal husbandryTransport animals as necessary for exhibits, vet procedures, or performancesWork with the Animal Care Curator on exhibit maintenance, food prep, and safety drillsMaintain a high level of team motivation in a positive work environmentMake sound decisions in a challenging, high-paced environmentComfortably handle animals in the park near guests, on stage, on camera as well as during off-site, public appearancesParticipate in “Guardians of the Jungle” and other stage presentationsOrder animal food and ensure kitchen cleaning standards are maintainedMaintain area equipment to assure all is in working orderProvide a high degree of customer service while displaying an outgoing personalityConfidently work directly with a wide variety of animals, including mammals, large parrots, birds of prey, and reptilesEnsure animals are prepared physically and mentally for shows or other performancesEnsure public safety regarding animal exhibits, encounters, and presentationsPerform any necessary cleaning and husbandry at or above accreditation standardsAdminister prescribed medication and nutritional supplements as directed by leadershipMaintain feeding, medical, and other records regarding animal care on a daily basisConduct special toursMust be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays as requiredLICENSE/QUALIFICATIONSA 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 speciesExperienced in animal behavior modification utilizing operant and classical conditioning techniques and can teach them to othersExperience in the care, feeding and handling of exotic animalsDemonstrates safe handling practices with a variety of exotic animalsIdentify notable behavior and adapt behavioral plan to maximize training outputAble to perform in Jungle Island animal shows and eventsGreat communication skillsKeep health and behavioral records as requiredAble to identify area shortfalls and create and execute a plan to correct issuesCommunicate and work effectively with othersBe prompt, professional and positive in all aspects of the jobProvide world-class guest experiencesOperate motorized equipment and vehiclesBe an ambassador for Jungle Island inside and outside of the parkCapable of lifting 50lbs standing, bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching; can work on uneven terrain and move around on slippery surfacesCan 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 spacesMust be able to work outside, in all weather conditionsNote:A review of this of this description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties, all duties and requirements are essential job functions.This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. associates will be required to perform any other job related duties assigned by their supervisor.this document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise other than an “at will” employment relationship.