Hoofstock Supervisor

Overview

Hoof stock supervisor to oversee the daily operations of a portion of the zoo's animal collection focusing on giraffe and hoof stock. Area to be managed is primarily hoof stock but also includes other taxa.

Responsibilities

• Supervise keepers in assigned areas including daily work scheduling, training, performance evaluations and hiring with line manager.
• Develop and mentor progress of keepers.
• Oversee medication administration prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Oversee daily animal husbandry including but not limited to cleaning, feeding, watering, securing, training, observing and enrichment.
• Participate in record keeping and maintaining exhibits.
• Assist in development and delivery of educational programs formally through Education Department and informally through interaction with zoo guests; assist with tours for guests, staff and volunteers; may assist in research projects.
• Assures feeding schedules and dietary requirements are met.
• Oversee, coordinate and manage breeding programmes, reproduction and neonate care programs.
• Participate in pest control plan and operations.
• May assist managers as required.
• Provide support and guidance to hoofstock keepers.
• Generate work requests and coordinate completion.
• Ensure accurate and complete records of animal activities.
• Support the goals of EPZ departments, collection plan, strategic and Master Plans.
• Prepare purchase requisitions for equipment and supplies.
• Oversee/coordinate animal introductions, moves, restraints and shipments.
• Accompany veterinary staff on medical rounds and assure procedures are followed.
• Discuss morbidity and mortality with veterinary staff.
• Regularly inspect and observe assigned collection for overall health and welfare.
• Train and coach staff regarding media contact, conflict resolution and appropriate guest and customer relations.
• Provide marketing material.
• Participate in required lectures, seminars and workshops as part of the job.
• Provide on job training for keepers.
• Ensure effective implementation of the health and safety policies and regulations.
• Prepare reports as required by the line manager.
• Prepare annual work plans for the assigned area.
• Observe animals to detect illnesses and injuries and notify vet/health care department of findings.
• Involve in transfers of animals from one enclosure to another for breeding, birth, rearrangement of exhibits or shipping if needed.
• Handle captures and restrain animals.
• Participate in establishing animal collection plan, studbooks, identification, surplus list and record keeping.
• Visitor interactions including scheduled on ground talks to guests, answering visitor questions concerning animals and habits.
• Maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures to ensure safety for animals and visitors.
• Complete daily worksheets listing amount of food eaten, etc.
• Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of the collection, including training, enrichment, research and education.
• Actively foster constructive attitudes and a team orientation among staff.
• May assist vets in treatment of animals for illnesses and injuries.
• Any other relevant duties assigned by the line manager and/or zoo manager.

Requirements

• High school zoology or related field is preferred.
• At least 3-5 years of prior animal care experience at a controlled environment facility.
• Good communication skills and enthusiasm for interacting with the public and a willingness to give regular talks to visitors, special groups, etc.
• Must be able to function as a team member and support zoo's mission.
• Must be dependable and demonstrate flexibility regarding work schedules.
• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays and some evening events.
• Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• English is required; Arabic is preferred.
• Must be willing to work with different cultures and nationalities.
• Must be able to perform strenuous work and lift at least 50 KG repetitively (bending, lifting, etc.).
• Good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Exemplifies the highest standard of work ethics.

Skills

• Exhibit design and enrichment
• Biosafety procedures
• Health and safety
• Good leadership and management skills
• Excellent computer skill
• Presentation skills
• Reporting skills
• Interpersonal communication and team work
• Communicate effectively in English (verbal and written)