Supervisor of Birds

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a supervisor for the Bird Department to coordinate the daily care and welfare for the birds found within the areas of this position’s purview. These areas include the Aviary, ASC (Avian Support Center), bird holding building, Aquarium, and additional outdoor exhibits and holding spaces, independent of another animal department. The work includes management of bird keepers, interns, and volunteers, and ensuring a safe and collaborative work environment, in addition to creating development opportunities for all participants. The supervisor regularly participates in animal husbandry, and some maintenance and mechanical repair of the areas of responsibility. This position is expected to assist other zoo departments as needed, with adult and young birds, as well as exhibit and holding area-related questions. This position reports directly to the Bird Curator.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (include but not limited to):

• Assist and lead the team in all aspects of animal care, welfare, breeding, and conservation for the animals associated with the department.
• This includes working to maintain and improve upon the existing animal husbandry, including training and enrichment, breeding, and management practices.
• Direct daily activities to ensure that the publicly visible areas associated with the department are thoroughly cleaned and presentable for zoo guests.
• The supervisor must also direct daily cleaning activities to ensure all animal enclosure and non-public areas associated with this department are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
• Assist with the maintenance (planting, watering, mowing, etc.) of all plant-life associated with the department.
• Assist in the monitoring, repair, and modifications of any system which supports the operation of any building associated with the department.
• The supervisor must continually perform within a manner which supports a safe working environment.
• They are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment, which involves properly training new employees to work safely around dangerous animals, working to ensure animal confinement structures are continually safe, and to regularly remind all department employees about the need to work safely and to maintain a safe environment for both employees and zoo visitors.
• Provide information to co-workers, other departments, and staff to ensure everyone is continually informed and works to develop these same skills in their employees.
• Assist with activities in other zoo departments, as requested.
• This includes cooperatively working with other zoo departments in helping to achieve the zoo’s conservation and education goals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• A working knowledge of avian taxonomy, husbandry, breeding, and propagation, incubation, and hand rearing techniques for a diverse collection of avian species.
• A thorough understanding of the fundamentals of operant conditioning and the ability to support staff with their animal training goals.
• Supervisory experience and the capacity to develop employees and volunteers.
• Some construction related experience is beneficial, particularly with the construction of animal holding spaces and exhibits.
• The ability to work independently, when familiar with operational procedures.
• The ability to work cooperatively with co-workers, other departments, and management.
• The ability or willingness to develop public speaking skills.
• The ability to develop operational skills with all the equipment and tools utilized by zoo personnel.
• Assist the department with daily care of animal collection including all aspects of animal husbandry
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Basic computer proficiency

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid NE state driver’s license.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Coordinate all activities associated with daily personnel management, department planning, animal planning, daily records and reports, interdepartmental communication, and staff meetings.
• Meet regularly with all bird department staff to establish clarity of roles and responsibilities, provide guidance, and encourage team development.
• Act as the liaison between senior management and the staff and volunteers.

Working Environment/Physical Demands:

• This position is a 40-hour work week, which may include weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions.
• The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• This department manages potentially dangerous animals. Personal safety is maintained as you are required to work within operational procedures, developed to assure appropriate risk management.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach upward, twist, and have good lateral movement.
• Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.

Education and Experience:

• BS in Biology or related field preferred
• PADI or NAUI dive certified preferred
• 3-5 years of supervisory experience at an AZA accredited institution or related organization
• Successfully complete Trainer Level 1 & 2 Certifications. External candidates are given 6 months to complete the certifications.
• Receive certification in ICS 100 and 700. External candidates are given 12 months to complete the training.
• Candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.

DISCLAIMER

• The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.
• It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
• Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.