I just got the heads up that Phoenix Zoo is hiring an Animal Training Supervisor. This is a full-time position and would require that you relocate or live in the Phoenix area. Although you can apply online, please check that you qualify first. Below is the description and you can use the link above to check out other positions and to fill out the application.

I did not get a deadline for applications but today’s date is July 12, 2007. If you are one of my students interested in applying please contact me for an insider introduction.

Job Title: Animal Resources Training Supervisor
Department: Visitor Experiences
Supervisor: Animal Resources Manager
Supervises: Assigned Staff, Volunteers and Interns
Status: Full Time, Regular, Exempt

General Statement: Responsible for safety, health and well being of all assigned animals through demonstrated and significant knowledge of documented husbandry practices and staff leadership in the performance of these duties. Supervise daily operations of assigned area, including staff scheduling and coverage to ensure standard operational efficiencies. Prepare weekly payroll processing for managerial approval, and other area supervisory tasks as assigned. Initiate animal handling training and maintenance in conjunction with the Presentation Supervisor to produce engaging and interactive visitor experiences.

Essential Duties:

• Oversee the daily operations of assigned area. Including – observation of all animals assigned to area ensuring standard care and well being. Ensure full operations of area programs, husbandry, veterinary collaborations, and exhibit/enclosure readiness.
• Supervise assigned area personnel to include trainers, volunteers and interns. Produce area schedule to ensure adequate animal and programmatic coverage. Assign tasks to trail staff. Communicate necessary personnel issues to area manager, assist in the completion of annual and quarterly reviews of all assigned staff, handle daily supervision needs of staff and assigned area.
• Insure adequate stock of area supplies and equipment while maintaining understanding of budgetary costs and control.
• Perform routine husbandry and environmental maintenance of assigned specimens when necessary. Ensure amendments and updating of the area SOP’s in a timely manner. Maintain all taxon reference books to accurately reflect current collection; act as principal trainer for new staff, volunteers, insuring appropriate knowledge and understanding of section SOP’s.
• Keep apprised of all assigned facilities, condition of facilities and process necessary repairs and recommendations to area manager.
• Demonstrate knowledge of nutritional requirements of assigned specimens; participate as primary attendee to all heath and dietary meetings for assigned area. Report all dietary and heath issues to area Manager. Collaborate with
  ACC staff in carrying out health monitoring and assessment. Collaborate with nutritional staff to ensure dietary needs and assessments are being met.
• Demonstrate knowledge of strategic collection plan for assigned section and species; manage captive reproduction program components as assigned; participate in and interact with external groups and organizations in collaborative efforts associated with institutional goals, as assigned.
• Observe and report animal behavior; perform assigned and approved Behavioral Enrichment activities; perform assigned and approved Animal Training procedures.
• Demonstrate significant knowledge of The Phoenix Zoo’s Behavioral Management Protocol; consistently implement behavioral management initiatives in assigned area; participate, as approved, on Behavioral Enrichment Committee, Behavioral Management Committee, etc.
• Assist in the development of protocols for the restraint and treatment of assigned animals. Instruct new staff in the procedure as assigned.
• Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions, and the medication of specimens. Provide advice related to assigned specimens and species.
• Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of emergency procedures and provide leadership in emergency situations.
• Perform minor repairs to exhibits. Interact with maintenance staff as needed and as assigned; demonstrate practical knowledge of building and mechanical systems in assigned areas, required preventative and routine maintenance, and routine operating parameters.
• Monitor the public ensuring the safety of visitors and animals; routinely interact with Park Rangers in promoting safety; participate on Safety Committees as assigned.
• Interact with Visitor Experience, Living Collections and volunteer staff to support designated public experiences and other communication activities; demonstrate significant understanding of key message and communication goals for assigned areas. Demonstrate skill in engaging and communicating with the public; display knowledge of appropriate engagement and activity types for various audiences; possess knowledge of and communicate regarding the history and purpose of the Zoo, the assigned section of the Zoo, and the assigned collection specimens.
• Participate in special event, marketing, and other promotional activities as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to meet the Zoo’s overall revenue goals and objectives.
• Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests.

Qualifications:

• Ability to provide quality customer service to both internal and external customers.
• B.S. Degree in Life Science or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum three-year experience in work relevant to zoo animal husbandry and at least one year demonstrated experience in supervisory or management capacity.
• Minimum two-year experience in developing and maintaining trained animal behaviors through Operant conditioning in support of public programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of exotic animal nutrition, public engagement and communication, facility maintenance.
• Strong leadership and communication skills required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and evenings.
• Possession of a valid driver license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment and annual TB tests.