Primate Wildlife Care Supervisor - San Diego Zoo

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Wildlife Care Supervisor is responsible for and oversees all aspects of the welfare, safe care, and handling of an assigned wildlife collection and contributes to collection strategic planning. The Wildlife Care Supervisor is responsible for the daily supervision of the staff and the routines to ensure safe care and handling of an assigned wildlife collection. This position reports to the Wildlife Care Manager.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead, manage, evaluate, and develop the performance of animal care staff as assigned and resolve conflicts in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Frequently inspect and observe assigned collection for overall health and welfare.
• Evaluate, adjust, and coordinate husbandry standards and techniques applied to an assigned animal collection according to a zoological master plan.
• Ensure the wildlife welfare standards are upheld and improved upon where necessary according to the organizations Wildlife Welfare Policy.
• Ensure proper communication with the Veterinary Team on medical cases and health status of animals within assigned areas.
• Ensure use of appropriate wildlife handling, shipment, management and training methodologies for the collection.
• Represent the leadership and the animal care divisions in partnership with operations.
• Effectively lead their assigned team by providing the support and guidance that enables each team member to be empowered and successful.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a Primate Wildlife Care Supervisor with proven abilities to evaluate and manage teams and programs. Extensive experience with a wide variety of Primates including Great Apes experience is highly desired. This position involves work with susceptible species; you will be required to show proof of vaccination as a condition of employment.

• JOB EXPERIENCE
  • One or more years’ experience supervising/leading animal department and personnel in an AZA accredited zoo or equivalent facility required.
  • Four to six years hands on wildlife care experience required.

• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's degree in zoology, animal science, or a related field preferred.
  • Current valid California Driver’s License in good standing

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
  • Strong working knowledge of Wildlife Welfare.
  • Basic taxonomic knowledge.
  • Exotic wildlife management and husbandry skills.
  • Effective organizational communication and team building skills.
  • Effective leadership skills.
  • Regulatory and membership agencies and regulations (USDA, USFWS, AZA, CITES etc.) knowledge.
  • Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Able to operate computer software programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead highly effective, diverse teams.