Mammals Lead Keeper & Animal Care Supervisor

Gulf Breeze Zoo; Gulf Breeze (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401k plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is seeking a Mammals Lead Keeper to join the Animal Care team. The Lead Keeper will supervise Animal Care Specialists, oversee daily care and manage assigned animal collections in a ZAA-accredited facility in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Responsibilities include coordinating daily tasks, monitoring animal welfare, and supporting the Curator with staff development, compliance, and emergency response. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum two years of professional zoological experience.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience training or mentoring staff preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience with record keeping and modern zoological management practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to Animal Care Specialists within the assigned department.
• Oversee the daily care and management of assigned animal collections.
• Coordinate daily work assignments and ensure completion of all husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and operational tasks.
• Monitor animal behavior and health, communicate concerns to the Curator, assist with medical treatments and conditioning programs.
• Ensure compliance with zoo policies, USDA regulations, ZAA standards, OSHA requirements and safety procedures.
• Train, mentor, and develop Animal Care Specialists with daily coaching and feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Teamwork

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology/ Biology/ Animal Science/ Wildlife Management

Job description

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is seeking a Mammals Lead Keeper to join the Animal Care team. The Lead Keeper will supervise Animal Care Specialists, oversee daily care and manage assigned animal collections in a ZAA-accredited facility in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Responsibilities include coordinating daily tasks, monitoring animal welfare, and supporting the Curator with staff development, compliance, and emergency response. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.