Job Description
ANIMAL CARE SUPERVISOR Department: Animal Care FLSA: Exempt - Benefited
EEOC Class: First/Mid Offs & Mgrs WC Code: 9102 Park Operations
Pay: Starting at $57,600+ (Based on experience)
POSITION SUMMARY This position will oversee the African Savanna, home to African lions, generic giraffe, Hartmann's mountain zebra, common warthog, common ostrich, and additional species planned for introduction in 2027. The area is currently undergoing a significant construction project, expanding the giraffe barn, giraffe feeding deck, and hoofstock holdings, creating opportunities for advanced herd management and immersive guest connection experiences. Utah's Hogle Zoo is committed to progressive animal training, proactive hoofcare practices, innovative pride and mixed species management. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of a dynamic and growing collection while supporting excellence in animal care and wellbeing.
The Animal Care Supervisor directs all reporting personnel involved in the care of the animal collection. The Supervisor maintains a strong working knowledge of all operational procedures in assigned areas. This position is equally proficient in oversight and supervision of the assigned team and animal programs. Collaborates with the Associate Director of Animal Care to execute short-term and long-range animal plans in support of the organization's mission and priorities.
The animal care department prioritizes the development and sustainability of a kind and well-balanced team culture to create environments where teams, individuals, and animals thrive.
At the zoo we look for employees who are passionate about conservation, who approach their daily work with a can-do attitude, who are resourceful, who communicate respectfully with everyone, and are ready to work hard supporting the zoo's mission of creating champions for wildlife by making connections between people and animals to inspire action.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP This position reports to the Associate Director of Animal Care.
PERKS - Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other supplemental insurance.
- The Zoo is a part of the Utah Retirement System and makes a 10% contribution to an employee's retirement. This includes an additional opportunity to make contributions to a 401K plan within URS.
- $3000 relocation allowance for qualifying new employees.
- Vacation days: New employees accrue up to 13 days annually of vacation time.
- Sick days: New employees accrue up to 10 days annually of sick time.
- Nine paid holidays in the year.
- Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families paid for by the Zoo.
- Employee long-term disability insurance paid for by the Zoo.
- Various employee reimbursements and contributions including wellness activities and professional development.
- Every employee receives a free Zoo Card that allows admission to the employee and up to 5 guests. It also provides free carousel and train rides, as well as free admittance to ZooLights and BooLights.
- 50% discount on concessions and 33% discount on gift shops items.
- Tickets at Work membership, which provides discounts and offers on theme parks, shows, sporting events, and travel.
- Awesome coworkers who care about animals and each other!
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILTIES AND DUTIES - Attendance and Availability
- Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
- Work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and events.
- Follow Animal Care sick call procedures.
- Communicate promptly with leadership regarding coverage needs.
- Participate in an on-call rotation during emergency situations.
- Animal Husbandry and Wellbeing
- Perform all operations and procedures for assigned areas
- Effectively monitor and communicate animal health, behavior, and overall condition to all stakeholders in a timely manner; and administer medications as prescribed or directed by veterinarians.
- Demonstrate and maintain a current understanding of animal natural history, terminology, and species and individual-specific wellbeing indicators.
- Support animal wellbeing program and staff wellbeing initiatives.
- Mentor staff in animal husbandry, health, wellbeing activities, record keeping, task prioritization, research, and operant conditioning.
- Contribute to animal acquisition and transfer practices in accordance with zoo policy.
- Safety and Compliance
- Maintain eligibility to hold a key within 2 key 2 lock areas and shift potentially dangerous animals.
- Work with venomous animals as assigned.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, Animal Welfare Act standards, OSHA regulations, AZA accreditation standards, related policies, and occupational health and safety procedures.
- Educate staff regarding compliance with applicable laws.
- Ensure effective compliance with policies and procedures through regular audits and necessary adjustments in collaboration with peers and leadership.
- Reliably document and report all atypical events and incidents.
- Review and resolve reported incidents in conjunction with the Associate Director of Animal Care.
- Leadership, Supervision, and Staff Development
- Supervise assigned staff, including recruitment, training, mentoring, and progressive performance coaching.
- Identifies trends and patterns to recognize opportunities for growth and celebration within staff, animals, and operations and procedures.
- Collaborate with the Associate Director of Animal Care and Animal Health leadership to develop and oversee area training priorities.
- Demonstrate proactive problem solving and communication.
- Act as the Animal Care Department or Utah's Hogle Zoo point of contact as assigned or needed.
- Operations, Planning, and Process Improvement
- Collaborate with others to develop innovative, forward-thinking approaches to elevate daily animal care, wellbeing, and area facilities.
- Contribute ideas to the design of new and existing exhibits.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures.
- Demonstrate initiative in collaborative problem solving.
- Manage changing priorities.
- Communication, Collaboration, and Professional Relationships
- Respond to communications according to policies and practices.
- Provides timely and constructive feedback.
- Employ strong interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate good judgment.
- Professional Conduct and Organizational Representation
- Perform job assignments with a positive attitude that reflects UHZ's mission.
- Conduct interactions and processes with professionalism.
- Demonstrate fairness in interactions.
- Demonstrate awareness of the impact of actions and interactions on others.
- External Engagement, Advancement, and AZA Participation
- Participate in fundraising activities.
- Demonstrate consistent involvement and participation in AZA programs and initiatives.
- Inspire and strengthen trust in teams through authentic communication.
- Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Associate's or Bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, animal science, or a related field. At least five years full-time of progressive animal care and management experience in a zoological setting (AZA preferred). Demonstrated leadership or supervisory responsibilities preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, assign work, and support cross-department collaboration.
- Demonstrated ability to build a positive team culture and maintain constructive working relationships.
- Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills. Demonstrated ability to develop and foster the same in others.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor staff and model effective communication, time management, and teamwork.
- Demonstrates self-awareness and manages personal impact on others.
- Demonstrates the ability to self-reflect and apply feedback appropriately.
CORE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - Proficiency with basic computer applications and standard industry workplace technology.
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and maintain accurate records.
- Proficiency in operant conditioning techniques
- Strong working knowledge of animal behavior, natural history, and species-appropriate husbandry practices.
- Working knowledge of AWA, AZA, OSHA, and other applicable standards.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with staff, volunteers, and guests.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, prioritize work, meet deadlines, and remain effective during interruptions.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Possess strong organizational, attention to detail, and stress management skills.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION - Utah's Hogle Zoo is a drug-free workplace. All employees are subject to random drug testing.
- Provide a negative TB test prior to hire date and maintain TB testing through course of employment.
- A current driver's license is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The incumbent performs in an outdoor environment, exposure to the seasonal elements, dust, and allergens for prolonged periods of time. Tasks require a variety of physical activities, which generally involve muscular strain. Eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions. Must be able to listen and respond to a portable radio. Ability to stoop, bend, twist, turn, climb, jump, run when necessary, and move quickly to avoid dangerous situations. Must be able to walk on wet and uneven surfaces.
Pull Force up to 50 lbs
Push Force up to 55 lbs
Lift Force up to 80 lbs
Utah's Hogle Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
Job Tags
Full time, Temporary work, Seasonal work, Relocation package, Flexible hours, Shift work