Animal Care Supervisor - Avian & Ambassador Sections

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a leading zoo in Sacramento as an Animal Care Supervisor, overseeing the care of avian and ambassador animals. This leadership role combines hands-on animal husbandry with team management and public engagement, ensuring high-quality care and compliance with AZA standards. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in exotic animal care and a passion for education and conservation.

Qualifications

• Minimum four (4) years of paid experience in exotic animal care.
• Minimum one (1) year in a senior keeper, team lead, or supervisory capacity.
• Experience in an AZA-accredited facility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily care and welfare of avian collection and ambassador animals.
• Provide leadership and technical guidance to assigned keeper team members.
• Collaborate with veterinary teams to meet species-specific goals.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Leadership

Training

Team development

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field

Tools

ZIMS

Tracks

Job description

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The Sacramento Zoological Society, the 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that manages the Sacramento Zoo. The Zoo hosts over 500,000 visitors annually. The Sacramento Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1975.

The Sacramento Zoo is seeking a Full-Time Animal Care Supervisor to join our Animal Care Leadership Team. This position will primarily oversee our Ambassador Animal and Avian sections. We’re looking for a strong, service-oriented leader with a growth mindset to help guide team development, support continuous improvement, and advance the zoo’s mission.

The Animal Care Supervisor – Avian and Ambassador Animals is a working leadership position responsible for overseeing the daily care, welfare, and programmatic use of the zoo’s ambassador animal collections as well as the bird section. This is a hands-on role that combines supervisory responsibilities with active participation in animal husbandry, training, enrichment, and medical support.

This role provides focused supervision of the avian and ambassador teams, with an emphasis on animal training, enrichment, welfare assessments, and direct coordination with the Education Department to meet ambassador program needs.

This position plays a vital role in ensuring high-quality animal care, maintaining AZA and regulatory compliance, supporting interdepartmental collaboration, and developing staff expertise in bird husbandry and ambassador animal handling. Supervisors are expected to be hands-on leaders, serving as mentors, communicators, and facilitators of daily care and long-term planning.

Primary Responsibilities: Section Supervisor – Birds & Ambassadors

• Supervise and participate in the daily care and welfare of the zoo’s avian collection and ambassador animals.
• Oversee, coordinate and elevate avian breeding programs, incubation, and hand-rearing where applicable.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Education Department regarding ambassador animal program needs and readiness.
• Perform and oversee husbandry, enrichment, training, and behavioral observation of birds and ambassador animals.
• Provide leadership and technical guidance to assigned keeper team members.
• Oversee animal transfers, quarantine procedures, and veterinary coordination for avian and ambassador species.
• Maintain accurate animal records and documentation (ZIMS, Tracks, etc.).

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide daily supervision, guidance, and support for assigned animal care staff.
• Conduct regular team meetings, performance check-ins, and training updates.
• Mentor and train staff in best practices for avian and ambassador animal care.
• Facilitate onboarding of new keepers and cross-training among sections.
• Promote a culture of accountability, professional development, and mission alignment.

Operational Oversight

• Ensure protocols are followed for avian welfare and ambassador animal handling.
• Collaborate with veterinary, nutrition, and education teams to meet species-specific and programmatic goals.
• Assist with development and revision of SOPs related to assigned animal areas.
• Participate in exhibit planning and modification, enrichment design, and animal management strategies.
• Represent the Bird/Ambassador team in departmental and institutional planning efforts.
• Respond to emergencies and support safety and preparedness measures for assigned areas.
• Serves as an active member of the Animal Care Leadership Team, including regularly fulfilling duties as Acting Animal Care Supervisor and/or Acting Zoo Supervisor as needed.
• Expected to serve as a member of the Zoo’s Armed Response Team upon meeting required qualifications.

Public Engagement and Mission Support

• Support the Education Department by ensuring readiness of ambassador animals for educational programs and guest experiences.
• Provide public presentations and assist with special events and VIP tours as needed.
• Promote zoo mission and animal wellness during interactions with staff, guests, and stakeholders.

Experience Required

• Minimum four (4) years of paid experience in exotic animal care, with at least two (2) years focused on avian and/or ambassador species.• Minimum one (1) year in a senior keeper, team lead, or supervisory capacity.• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.• Experience working in an AZA-accredited facility strongly preferred.

$30–$35/hour, based on experience, with a strong benefits package.

How to Apply

Send a resume and cover letter via email [e-mail] , with "Sac Zoo Animal Care Supervisor" in the subject line.

Sacramento Zoo
3930 W Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822
Phone: [phone]