Field Supervisor - Carnivore

The Naples Zoo is seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic full-time Field Supervisor candidate to join our Carnivore Department. The qualified candidate will possess a solid foundation in Carnivore biology, husbandry, and pertinent conservation issues. The qualified candidate should be team-oriented, have previous supervisory and interpretive program experience, and have some background utilizing operant conditioning techniques. The Field Supervisor role will direct and assist the carnivore team with the daily care of large and small carnivores and omnivores while following a 2-key 2-lock protocol.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advanced understanding of animal husbandry and care to maximize animal wellness, including research on best practices to ensure each animal thrives

• Advanced observation of animal behavior to monitor health and wellbeing

• Maintain records in accordance with protocols and as directed

• Comply with and enforce any zoo‑wide safety protocols and procedures, and bring forth any potential hazards for staff, visitors, and animals to the applicable managers/Director of Animal Programs

• Support veterinary health needs as requested

• Perform both routine and advanced animal handling and restraint as needed

• Actively train approved specific animal behaviors for husbandry, management, and veterinary procedures

• Actively participate in animal enrichment, including generating and implementing new items and submitting them through the appropriate approval process

• Interact with Zoo visitors in an engaging and professional manner; including but not limited to, answering questions, conducting shows, keeper chats, and special tours

• Provide support for education and conservation programming as needed

• Assist with special events and requests from marketing and development as needed

• Perform skilled assignments related to animal care and wellness and prioritize routines and projects in accordance with sound time management and efficiency

• Effectively communicate with co‑workers, managers, and other Zoo personnel in support of the overall needs of the animals, department, and organization

• Actively participate in area meetings and support committees as assigned

• Use of Animal Care Software and Species 360/ZIMS

• Assist with project management as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provide daily supervision of staff, teaching, correcting, and commending as appropriate to ensure a high level of performance and teamwork.

• Development and follow through of plans to meet animal management and husbandry needs (animal transfers, introductions, catch‑ups, veterinary procedures, immobilizations, etc.) with support from the Animal Operations Manager

• Handling of any animal or safety concerns as they arise; development and follow through of plans to resolve those concerns with support from the Animal Operations Manager

• Monitor and perform all area‑specific standard operating procedures, including updating documents as needed

• Advanced knowledge of regulatory standards (USDA, FWC, and AZA) and the ability to proactively address and rectify concerns. Assist with on‑site inspectors as requested

• Oversee hiring and training of staff/interns within the associated department

• Actively mentor interns and animal care professionals as requested to promote their continued growth

• Able to serve as scheduled on the daily ERT schedule in the capacity of Animal Person (AP) and appropriately respond to and lead emergencies to a resolution

• Complete the annual employee evaluation process with support and input from the Animal Operations Manager

• Complete weekly schedules for reporting employees, working to maintain appropriate staffing levels through approval of PTO requests

• Designate, approve, and follow through on animal training priorities

• In accordance with the Naples Zoo Animal Enrichment Policy, approve and monitor monthly enrichment schedules and logs

• Monitor animal diets and submit any needed changes through the appropriate channels

• Assist in the resolution of interpersonal differences among employees

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in an animal-related field is preferred. Life experience may be substituted

• Minimum 4 years of animal care experience in an accredited zoo or aquarium

• Must show leadership skills and the ability to mentor team members in a professional and effective manner

• Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish and maintain professional working relationships

• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, views, and work styles

• Ability to work both independently and as a team

• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and maintain a positive attitude during times of stress

• Must be self-motivated and goal-oriented

• Must have good written and oral communication skills

• Must have knowledge of animal husbandry, animal welfare, and operant conditioning

• Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including weekdays, holidays, and special events as needed

• Must be able to organize/prioritize workload to meet deadlines

• Ability to drive a vehicle and run small machinery

• Must be able to think logically and solve problems accordingly

• Must be able to communicate with guests in a kind, courteous manner

• Computer competency with Microsoft programs

Physical requirements

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following have been identified as physical requirements of the job:

• Ability to work outside in weather conditions typical of South Florida

• Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 65 pounds, stand for long periods of time

• Ability to drive a vehicle, including but not limited to a truck, boat, golf cart, or bicycle

• Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to handle, reach, feel, and manipulate objects, tools, or controls

• Ability to sit, walk distances, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel and crouch

• Ability for close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

• Ability to hear and talk and use a radio

SPECIAL INFORMATION

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

Naples Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The ADA requires Naples Zoo to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the Human Resources Office. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Naples Zoo is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture, and our team does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Medical, Dental & Vision Health Coverage

Company paid Life Insurance policy of $25,000

Supplemental insurance plans available (disability, GAP, accident, critical care) 

403B Retirement and Investment Opportunities

Accrued Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement Program available

Holiday Premium Pay

Employee Referral Bonuses

Complimentary Zoo admission for employees and/or their families after 90 days of employment

Complimentary and discounted admissions to 100+ Florida theme parks for employee and/or their families

30% Employee Discount at Naples Zoo Gift Shop & Zoo cafes