About this role
Supervisor
Job Description: About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Position: Supervisor Reports to: Curator Position Managed: Assistant Supervisor, Veterinary Technician, Senior Wild Animal Keepers, Wild Animal Keepers, Animal Associates, Interns Location: Queens Zoo/In Person Department: Animal Scope: Site Position Type: Part-Time
Job Summary: To supervise the daily operation of the Queens Zoo Animal Department to ensure safe and proper implementation of established protocols for the management and care of the animal collection, exhibits, and associated animal facilities, systems, and service areas.
Major Responsibilities: 1.Supervise daily care of the animal collection. Provide leadership and instruction to keepers and other animal department staff in the various duties essential for safe and proper care of the animals including implementation of established protocols for care of the animals, exhibits, and associated systems and service areas. Explain and train staff in changes to procedures and protocols and with the use of new equipment. 2.Assist the curatorial staff in developing and revising protocols for management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, and associated animal facilities. 3.Ensure humane treatment and maintain high standards of animal welfare for all animals in the collection in accordance with prescribed policies and procedures. Collaborate with other WCS Animal Department managers to create, implement, and update protocols and procedures to assess and document the wellbeing of animals in our care. Document changes made to animal care procedures and/or facilities to enhance an individual animal’s wellbeing in response to welfare assessments. 4.Ensure all animal department activities and protocols comply with AZA Accreditation standards and government regulations (e.g., USDA, USFWS, OSHA). Regularly review changes to standards and regulations and make necessary adjustments to maintain compliance. 5.Inspect animal department facilities regularly to ensure established standards are met. Collaborate with Operations staff and Life Support Systems Manager on the operation and management of all LSS systems. Submit work orders as warranted and monitor progress on completion. 6.Provide leadership in management and assessment of the zoo’s behavioral training program to assist in animal care and enhance welfare. Provide knowledge, leadership, and skills in creating, implementing, and assessing behavior goals and training plans. Provide leadership to teach these skills to other staff members and to ensure compliance with approved training plans. 7.Provide leadership in management and assessment of the zoo’s enrichment programs to enhance animal welfare. Provide knowledge, leadership and skills in development, documentation, and assessment of enrichment plans in accordance with WCS, AZA, and USDA standards and expectations. Provide leadership to teach these skills to other staff members and to ensure compliance with approved enrichment plans. 8.Supervise and assist in all animal transfers and maintain appropriate records and reports. Assist Curatorial staff in developing detailed transfer/shipment plans. Transport animals to/from airport or other destination as assigned. 9.Take a lead role in animal handling and safe animal restraint. Teach skills to other staff as assigned. 10.Maintain adequate inventories of all supplies, equipment, and animal foods necessary for the operation of the animal department. Understand WCS purchasing processes and become proficient in using SAP and other relevant software used in purchasing. 11.Ensure that daily activities and events within the animal collection and the animal department are recorded and reported in the prescribed manner. Complete required reports as assigned and provide training to Animal Department staff tasked with recording and maintaining animal records. 12.Serve as an active member of the animal management team in setting schedules for park coverage including weekends, holidays, and special events. Serves as primary timekeeper for the department. Manage the operations of the department in the absence of the Curator. Develop weekly schedules for animal department staff in all installations. 13.Create a positive, professional work environment within the animal department that promotes collaboration, mentorship, and growth. 14.Assess performance of keeper staff to ensure optimal animal care in accordance with established procedures and protocols. Mentor and coach staff to enhance their skills and to correct deficiencies in their work. Collaborate with Curatorial staff on hiring and disciplinary actions. 15.Coordinate and lead orientation and training for new department staff and interns in collaboration with the Assistant Supervisor. 16.Serve on the zoo’s Emergency Response Team. 17.Represent WCS in a professional manner, establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees, colleagues, City, and other government agencies, outside contractors, and the public. 18.Perform other related tasks and duties as required.
Qualification Requirements: 1.Bachelor’s Degree with major in biology or a related field with two years of relevant supervisory level experience. At least five years’ experience in a zoo environment with a record of increasing responsibility. 2.Must have independent and critical thinking ability to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal care situations. Must be able to problem solve based on experience and observation and must be able to follow proper procedures. 3.Ability to learn life support systems operation. 4.Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English. Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 5.Computer background and proficiency required. Competency in computer skills such as Microsoft Office, SAP, and animal record keeping software. 6.Ability to obtain a firearms license and participate as a member of the Queens Zoo Emergency Response Team. Must participate in WCS-organized firearms training and practice. 7.Valid NY, NJ or CT Driver’s license required.
Physical Demands
The physical demands include but are not limited to the use of a Keyboard, 10-key, Mouse, and Telephone Use, Handwriting, Sitting, Standing, Crouching, Kneeling, Bending, Walking, Stair Climbing, minimal Driving, and Lifting up to 50lbs.
Workplace Conditions and Environment
The workplace conditions and environment of the role include working indoors, closely with others, and/or alone, exposure to excess noise, operating power tools and equipment, and use sharp tools and equipment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies. Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.