Animal Care Supervisor (Bird & Mammal)

Description

As part of the OdySea Aquarium animal leadership team, this position is responsible for overseeing a designated team of people and collection of animals as well as the supporting the overall operation of the Animal Care and Education Department. This can include aspects of specialized personnel and diverse animals including (but not limited to) California sea lions, Asian small-clawed otters, two-toed sloths, African penguins, psittacines, toucans, reptiles, and small terrestrial mammals. A central responsibility of this position will be the development and management of educational animal presentations and interactions with guests. This individual will promote the correct understanding and application of operant conditioning and behavioral modification within the Animal Care team(s) and throughout the aquarium to enhance animal wellbeing. This individual will oversee all guest experiences that involve department specific taxa, such as Animal Encounters, animal appearances during special and after-hours events, scheduled Aquarium programming and events, and through PR and media promotion. Individual will be integral in educating aquarium guests about species survival and conservation through formal and informal presentations.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete assigned duties as they apply to animal acquisition, transport, acclimation, and training of all animals within collection
• Responsible for overseeing designated team of staff on the husbandry and behavioral training and maintenance of animals, and all facets of animal wellbeing
• Assist in development of and supervise educational animal presentations, shows, encounters, tours, interactive programs, and others as deemed necessary within the Aquarium
• Represent OdySea Aquarium off property through educational animal appearances at schools, media events, and other public engagements
• Representation of aquarium through positive guest interactions and experiences daily
• Assists with modification and implementation of all department Standard Operating Procedures, team member training and development, and adherence of team members to all policies and safety protocols
• Provide a supportive role in hiring, onboarding, and training of all staff; conduct regular performance reviews of all team members
• Help create and implement enrichment plans for all animals
• Participate in collection and facilities planning, development of exhibits and educational planning, and research and conservation activities
• Lead team members in facilitating a cooperative working environment that promotes a culture of teamwork, positivity, inclusion, and growth
• Inspect exhibits and related facilities daily for cleanliness and structural integrity
• Work closely and collaboratively with other departments, such as, but not limited to, Engineering & Maintenance, Life Support Systems, Dive Operations, Guest Relations, and Animal Care & Conservation, to ensure exhibits, habitats, and programming environments are optimal for the wellbeing of our animals and for excellence in guest experience.
• Collaborate with Zoological leadership team in development and maintenance of diets and nutrition, husbandry techniques, and area protocols.
• Ensure accurate and appropriate record keeping is maintained within the department
• Oversee and approve designated gallery team members’ timecards
• Maintain advanced knowledge of industry innovations and progressive animal care techniques through professional meetings and conferences, trade journals, and communication with professional colleagues. Participate, if applicable and able, in organizations that enhance animal wellbeing, such as AZA, IMATA, and/or others.
• Represent the Animal Care & Education department and OdySea Aquarium to visiting investors, professionals, guests, and media.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Department leadership team.
  
  

Physical And Medical Requirements

• Computer/Microsoft literacy required.
• Ability to push, pull, and lift up to fifty pounds.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk and run.
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
• Required to frequently talk and hear.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
• Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
• Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• Allergies related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work, must be controlled by medications or personal protective equipment.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Biology, Zoology, Marine Science, or related discipline required.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience working with marine and/or terrestrial animals in professional setting
• Minimum 5 years leadership experience
• Must be able to handle confidential information.
• SCUBA certification
• Must be able to pass dive physical for dive safety program participation
• Excellent public speaking and showmanship experience
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be able to access animal pools, exhibits, and enclosures
• Must be a strong swimmer, with the ability to pass departmental swim test
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, or irregular hours dictated by animal needs
• Experience with neonate and juvenile rearing preferred
• Life support experience preferred
• Must exemplify core fundamentals of the Employee Promise, which states:
• I am empowered to take ownership of any opportunity to exceed expectations.
• I anticipate guest needs and pay attention to the details.
• I treat all internal and external customers with respect.
• I am on stage! (Smile)
• I have an attitude of gratitude.
• I get it right the first time.
• I display actions that are moral and ethical.
• I always provide alternative solutions.
• I am committed to learning every aspect of our product and services.
• I use the 10/5 rule, 10 feet I acknowledge my guest’s presence with a smile and at 5 feet. I greet them with a courteous word
• I use name recognition at every opportunity
• I take personal responsibility for our surroundings.
• I am accountable for my tools and resources.
• I value the contribution of every team member.
  
  

Signature

This job description has been approved by all levels of management and Human Resources.

The employee signature below constitutes the employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.

Employee__________________________________ Date_____________