Zoo Area Supervisor

City of El Paso; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

City of El Paso, Texas is seeking a supervisor for the zoo animal care team. The role includes directing daily care of a diverse animal collection, observing health and behavior, and coordinating enrichment activities under supervision.

The position requires a strong background in animal care, safety, and collaboration with veterinary staff. Responsibilities include documentation, training staff, and assisting with exhibit maintenance and budgeting as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or higher, and four (4) years of specialized zoo animal care experience in the area of assignment, including one (1) year of supervisory or lead worker experience.
• Valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state by the date of appointment.
• Experience includes animal care, enrichment, observation, and assisting veterinary staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and participate in the care of the assigned zoo animal collection.
• Observe animal behavior, monitor illness and injury, and monitor reproductive behavior.
• Assist in the care of animals by cleaning, feeding, and monitoring.
• Assist and perform animal handling, capturing, and restraint.
• Assist veterinary staff in animal procedures and prepare documentation.
• Perform enrichment and conditioning activities for the animals.
• Assist in maintenance of animal exhibits and planning of habitats.
• Maintain inventories and prepare detailed records of animal behaviors and health.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Animal care

Observation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

MOS CODES: NONE

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED or higher, and four (4) years of specialized zoo animal care experience in the area of assignment, including one (1) year of supervisory or lead worker experience.

Licenses and Certificates

Valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent from another state by the date of appointment.

Under general supervision, supervise and participate in the care of the assigned zoo animal collection and monitor maintenance of exhibits, grounds, and service areas.

Direct and provide for the care of the assigned animal collection. Involves: Observing animal behavior, watching for illness and injury, and monitoring reproductive behavior. Assist in the care of animals by cleaning, feeding, and monitoring. Clean exhibits and holding areas as needed. Assist and perform animal handling, capturing, and restraint. Assist veterinary staff in animal procedures. Prepare documentation as required on animal care.

Perform enrichment and conditioning activities for the animals. Involves: Develop enrichment devices. Prepare enrichment schedules. Evaluate the success of enrichment items. Train and condition animals to behave while staff are performing medical procedures and checking for injury and illness.

Assist in the maintenance of animal exhibits. Involves: Clean animal exhibits, aquariums, and holding areas. Assist in the replacement and repair of structures, plants, and other habitats as needed. Prepare work orders and coordinate work with maintenance staff. Assist with the planning and design of animal habitats and displays.

Perform a variety of duties in support of animal care. Involves: Requisitioning animal food and supplies. Maintain inventories. Prepare detailed records of animal behaviors, physical condition, reproduction, and other factors as required. Recommend improvements in animal care. Provide information about the zoo and facilities to the public. Assist with the preparation of the budget for the area. Attend meetings. Enter information into a computer and prepare appropriate reports.

Supervise assigned staff. Involves: Schedule, assign, instruct, guide, and check work. Appraise employee performance. Provide training and development. Enforce personnel rules and regulations and work behavior standards firmly and impartially. Counsel, motivate, and maintain harmony. Interview applicants and recommend hiring, termination, discipline, or other employee status changes. Enforce animal and staff safety requirements.

Note: Applicants with a foreign degree or diploma must have all documents translated and evaluated by an agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) prior to submitting them to the Human Resources Department. Please visit www.naces.org/members for more information.