Position Summary:

Reports to Animal Care Curators. This position will be considered part of the Animal Care leadership and management team.

The following are a brief description of each area for consideration:

Desert Wilds / Wild Americas

This position oversees a diverse range of animals which includes small and large carnivores (From regions of Africa and the Americas), a variety of avian species including birds of prey, the small carnivore breeding facility, Australian species, and a variety of reptiles (including venomous). This position will assist in the development and opening of Lion Ridge.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner, and act as a role model at all times
• As part of the Animal Care management, leadership team will provide ongoing, daily support of the animal care keepers including providing counseling, discipline and recognition of accomplishments
• Provides and encourages a feedback rich environment with information regarding accomplishments, updates, and challenges.
• Provide mentorship to animal care keeper team
• Responsible for maintaining AZA/USDA standards of each animal area
• General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry and observational skills.
• Excellent guests service and communication skills for effective & engaging public speaking; Ability to provide knowledgeable and engaging tour/talks for guests, staff and donors.
• Assist with the daily behavioral husbandry, operant conditioning and enriching experiences of animal residents
• Contribute and maintain a safe, positive and productive workplace environment for animals, guests and staff.
• Able to establish and maintain effective and professional working relations with co-workers and other department personnel, and to do so in accordance with The Living Desert Employee Handbook.
• Assist Animal Care Curator as needed in support of area tasks/projects including but not limited to: ordering of supplies, animal procedures, animal programs, scheduling, counseling, accountability and communication to other TLD staff
• Implement breeding protocols, diet revisions, habitat designs and habitat maintenance
• Motivated, self-starter who can work with minimal supervision. Should also be able to work with others in a team setting.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills to trouble shoot issues and reveal solutions to move the animal team forward
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and remain levelheaded in emergency situations
• Attend and participate in staff meetings to discuss the needs of the animal residents and animal team, resolve issues, and help create new procedures and policies
• Embraces the LEAN process program and moves the department in a more efficient direction

Minimum Qualifications:

• AA, AS or higher degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree and at least two years of exotic animal experience. Bachelor degree preferred.
• Experience with supervisory and/or management a plus.
• Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of full time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college.
• Valid California driver license or eligible to attain. Must be insurable on The Living Desert's automobile policy.

Working Conditions:

• Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting (up to 50#)
• Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals and dust/airborne materials.
• Works with potentially dangerous animals (large ungulates, carnivores, venomous snakes)
• Holiday, evening, weekend work required. Available on as needed basis for emergencies and events.
• Travel opportunities for conferences, workshops and/or conservation projects as appropriate. Some or all expenses paid.