Aquatics Animal Care Supervisor
A passionate and experienced animal care professional ready to take on a leadership role to join our team. We are seeking an ambitious aquatics professional who is familiar with modern husbandry practices and collection planning and has conservation experience. Our ideal candidate is SCUBA certified and has knowledge of and experience with Life Support Systems (LSS). Our zoo is under new leadership, and we look forward to a bright and exciting future! If you are looking for a new challenge where you can make a difference in a city with cultural attractions, a culturally diverse community with an emerging arts scene, and is situated along the Brazos River, apply now! Whether you are interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Waco offers something unique and interesting.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Manages the daily care, husbandry, and nutrition of assigned animals; resolves problems within scope of authority; duties may vary according to job assignment.
- Inspects and maintains Zoo exhibits in order to assure the health of Zoo collection, prevent spread of disease and comply with government regulations.
- Manages staff; prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; trains and evaluates staff; develops staff skills and conducts performance evaluations; meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve workload and technical issues.
- Performs daily rounds and evaluates the health and welfare of the animals in the City Zoo; assures compliance with rules and standards of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
- Identifies animal health care issues and works with Veterinarian to develop and implement health care maintenance and treatment plans.
- Manages preparation and distribution of foodstuffs and nutritional supplements.
- Meets with Zookeepers to discuss animal health issues and preventive health measures.
- Monitors animal health issues, behavior and eating habits; maintains records and updates database.
- Monitors exhibit facilities and grounds to assure proper maintenance procedures are followed.
- Assists with development of plans for exhibit renovation and expansion.
- Manages inventory of equipment and supplies.
- Assists with public education and community outreach programs.
- May be required to respond afterhours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Husbandry experience in a variety of marine and freshwater species of fish and invertebrates, various reptiles, and elasmobranch.
Education & Experience
- Associate’s Degree in Zoology, Biological Sciences, or related field
- Two (2) years of professional animal care work experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience with maintenance and operation of life support systems on both small and large systems
- Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License
