Zoological Supervisor

About the role

The Zoological Care Supervisor is responsible for the overall daily husbandry, maintenance, and training of a diverse animal collection. The successful applicant must be team-oriented with a positive, supportive attitude. The supervisor will oversee daily animal care logistics and operations in an assigned area, supporting and mentoring Zoological Specialists and Husbandry Assistants toward growth and development. The role involves collaborating with the management team to enhance guest interactions, promote conservation through exceptional animal care, and evolve guest satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Perform as a frontline supervisory position, actively participating in husbandry procedures, training methods, and safety guidelines.
• Supervise and mentor team members to ensure excellent guest experiences through interaction programs both on and off property.
• Facilitate solution-minded and professional communication among team members, management, and other park departments.
• Ensure proper staffing of animal area(s) through effective scheduling, including a flexible work schedule covering all shifts.
• Support and adhere to the Zoo’s Guiding Principles (staff development, conservation, sustainable population planning, animal behavior management, health, and welfare).
• Maintain area upkeep, including submitting work orders, tracking repairs, and communicating needs to the assigned Zoological Curator.
• Assist in promoting, developing, and completing research projects as opportunities arise.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with ambassadors and guests.
• Ensure safe daily operations in the Zoological Department, meeting all park quality, safety, and husbandry standards.
• Maintain team member morale and motivation in assigned area(s) and throughout the department.
• Participate in developing and implementing short-term planning and long-range objectives.
• Support management in mentoring, performance evaluations, training plans, scheduling, record-keeping, and policy development.
• Additional responsibilities may include participating in zoo interviews, assisting with yearly budgets, coordinating animal handling, and planning animal moves and introductions.
• Learn and demonstrate Zoo safety protocols, including standard operating procedures, Zoo MOD training, and emergency response procedures.

Requirements

• At least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving guidelines.
• At least 7 years of professional zoological experience within a zoological facility (AZA preferred) or at least 2 years of internal experience at the Senior I Zoological Specialist level.
• Strong work ethic and self-discipline.
• Able to operate light and possibly heavy equipment (e.g., tractors, skid-steers, mowers, weed-eaters, trailers).
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment in various outdoor weather conditions (e.g., dust, extreme heat, cold, rain).
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift, bend, climb, and squat as needed.
• Knowledge of animal collection management, conservation, animal diets and nutrition, natural history, animal wellbeing, husbandry, and applied animal behavior and training.
• Proficient in Microsoft software products.
• Process- and detail-oriented with the ability to handle multiple projects with strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work successfully both independently and in a team environment.
• Strong initiative, creative problem-solving skills, excellent communication (written and verbal), and strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Professional and outgoing presence.
• Adhere to and ensure team compliance with all SEA grooming guidelines and employment standards.
• Complete all legal, company, and department training requirements, including required tests and certifications within established timelines.
• Flexible work schedule based on business needs, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, occasional overnights, and Zoo Manager on Duty (MOD) shifts.
• Must be able to work at least 40 hours per week.

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree in Zoology, Biology, Psychology, or related field.
• Knowledge of SEA systems (Kronos, ParkWare, TRACKS, etc.).
• Experience with multiple species including Class I animals.
• Leadership experience.

Benefits

• Paid Floating Holidays
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• SEA Employee Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
• SEA Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K plan
• Voluntary Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Assistance Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement