Zoological Manager - Ectotherms - ZOO

Department: Zoo 

Pay:  $23.99 per hour  

Work Schedule: Varies  

Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.  For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits.

Supervises, trains, and monitors zookeepers in the care and management of reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates within the assigned Zoo areas. This position requires regular participation in the care of ectotherms when covering zookeeper shifts. Ideally this will be no more than 16 hours per week but may on occasion be more. Inspects facilities for security, safety and for repair and maintenance. Interacts and provides customer service to all Zoo defined customers. This position participates in a mandatory on-call rotation.

Supervision of Zookeepers

• Plan, schedule, and assign work duties within zoological areas under the direction of the Curator of Ectotherms.
• Monitor and acquire area supplies and resources under the direction of the Curator of Ectotherms.
• Train and mentor zookeepers, recognize performance deficiencies, and take corrective action when needed.
• Produce SOPs and other documents for the areas of responsibilities including employees, facilities, and animals within the areas.
• Supervise and monitor animal introductions and animal restraint under direction of the Curator of Ectotherms.
• Participate and assist curator and registrar in planning animal transfer activities. Work with veterinary staff to facilitate associated medical testing needs.
• Participate in evaluating zookeeper applications for open positions and in selecting final candidates.

Animal Well-being, Care and Management

• Maintain a current understanding of animal natural history and terminology. Interpret animal behavior and recognize abnormalities and potential medical conditions. Under the direction of veterinarians and/or curators, administer medications or treatments as needed.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of AZA Accreditation Standards as pertains to all job duties.
• Communicate observations of animal behaviors and health conditions to Ectotherms staff, veterinary staff, Curator of Ectotherms, and other pertinent staff members.
• Monitor and participate in the preparation of animal diets. Communicate nutritional needs and concerns to Curator of Ectotherms, veterinary staff, and all pertinent staff.
• Maintain current knowledge about the care and husbandry of venomous reptiles and invertebrates, crocodilians and large constrictors.
• Supervise and monitor the incubation of ectotherm eggs under direction of the Curator of Ectotherms.
• Safely work with and around delicate, wild, and potentially dangerous animals. Complete required training and safely operates all zoo-required equipment for completion of job duties.  

Area Maintenance

• Ensure service areas, animal habitats, and public viewing areas meet safety requirements and are properly maintained.
• Monitor and ensure usability and availability of tools used regularly by team: wheel barrows, rakes, shovels, hoses, scrub brooms, tubs and a variety of other specialty tools used in the care of animals.
• Regularly inspect animal habitats and associated facilities for security and safety.
• Complete or conduct minor repairs to facilities as needed.
• Participate in an on-call rotation during emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications: Six years of animal care experience working with ectotherms. Up to four years of experience may be substituted with education in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Resources, Wildlife Management, or a related field that provides applicable knowledge and skills. Per Sedgwick County policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US driver’s license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance.

Preferred Qualifications: Three years of animal care experience working with ectotherms at an AZA Facility. Master’s Degree in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Resources, Wildlife Management, or a related field.

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