This job is for the birds! 

No, really, it is! The Reid Park Zoological Society (Reid Park Zoo) is seeking an experienced animal care supervisor to oversee our bird team! At least three years’ supervisory experience strongly preferred.

Your office is within a lush, garden, parklike setting located in midtown, the heartbeat of Tucson (The Old Pueblo). Reid Park Zoo is an oasis in the desert, filled with mature landscape, large trees, an abundance of shade, and many native varieties of flora and fauna. The zoo is adjacent to a city golf course and park, both of the same name.   

Your ‘real’ office is in our award-winning Health Center among our veterinarian staff, animal care leadership, and animal wellbeing leader.

Our city boasts stunning high desert valley vistas surrounded by four mountain ranges offering a year-round paradise for cyclists, hikers, bird-watchers and outdoor enthusiasts.  Named the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy dedicated in the United States, for its outstanding culinary heritage, sustainable food practices, and creative food culture. the City is a delight for foodies. Explore our thriving and cultural experiences, historic sites, and (yes!)  wine country just thirty minutes away. With the University of Arizona and its championship sports, top-notch medical facilities, and affordable housing, Tucson is a great place to bring the family and put down roots– a big city, yet with a comfortable, small-town feel.

With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is the co-leader of the Flamingo SAFE program to name a few recognitions. Attracting more than 600,000 guests annually, the Zoo is the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

Enjoy a generous suite of benefits with the Zoo contributing 85% of medical, dental and vision costs for you and your qualified dependents.

No phone calls or visits please.  This position is open until filled.  We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

• You bring: 

A Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, animal or zoology related plus five years’ experience in animal care at an AZA accredited institution. A minimum of two years supervising Zoo Keepers.  Alternatively, Associates degree with eight years’ experience including two years supervising Zoo Keepers.

No phone calls or visits please.  This position is open until filled.  We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

• Overview:

The Animal Care Supervisor is responsible for supervising, mentoring, and evaluating a team of Zoo Keepers.  Supervisor is responsible for overseeing several animal areas of the zoo and all associated records.  Specifically, we have a growing bird collection.  This position will be responsible for assisting with collection planning as it relates to the two free flight aviaries, flamingo flock and habitats in the new Asia section of the zoo and possibly assisting with avian Ambassador Animal collection.  At times, this position may be doing direct animal care and habitat enhancements.  This position works collaboratively with the veterinarian team plus Facilities and Education departments.  This is hands-on position in a fast-paced environment of a growing organization.  

Reports To:   Animal Care Manager

Responsibilities:

• General duties:

Supervises, trains, schedules and mentors Zoo Keepers in their work.  Direct reports may vary from 5-7 Zoo Keepers depending on the workload of the areas. 

Oversees a subset of the collection animals with regards to wellness, health, training, enrichment, daily care and all related documentation. 

Assists with collection planning.  Reviews animal records and assists with animal transactions.

Conducts preventative maintenance and ensures safety in work areas.

Works collaboratively with the welfare committee, training & enrichment committee, education department, events team and safety team.

Completes all training as required. These may include but are not limited to job specific training, safety, zoonotic disease, blood borne pathogens, animal enrichment, animal training, conservation, Species Survival Plan (SSP), active shooter, DEI, radio protocol, CPR/ First Aid, hand tool usage and heavy equipment operation such as skid steer/ forklift truck etc. 

• Supervisory duties:

Delivers annual performance reviews for Zoo Keepers and provides work plan goals for the coming year.  Provides timely feedback on performance throughout the year.

Participates in recruitment, selection and hiring decisions.  Is involved in promotion and status changes and makes recommendations.

Supervises and schedules Zoo Keepers.

Trains and coaches Zoo Keepers and ensure compliance with safety policies and practices.

Participates in employee relations concerns in partnership with Human Resources and direct supervisor.

Coaches and mentors less experienced Zoo Keepers & provides development opportunities to increase depth and span of experience. 

Completes 90-day reviews for new hire Zoo Keepers and creates a work plan with goals.

• Administrative Functions
• Other Duties as Assigned

 Comfortable with animal data software systems such as ZIMS and ZooMonitor.

 Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies

 Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties

 Follows zoo safety protocols and procedures.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Minimum of 2 years supervising Zoo Keepers required.
• 5 years in animal care at an AZA accredited facility and bachelor’s degree (biological science related) OR Associates degree plus 8 years’ experience.
• Expertise with avian care preferred.
• COVID booster acquired after September 2022.
• Willingness to undertake an annual TB test.
• Experience working with a wide range of species a plus.
• Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.
• Successfully complete a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback and be quick to act or change direction as needed.
• Reliable and able to work to a schedule.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Must be able to work outside and must be comfortable working in either cold or hot weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50+ lbs. on occasion), must be comfortable walking and standing for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends.

THE HIRING RANGE FOR THIS EXEMPT POSITION IS $55,301 - $64,979 ANNUALLY. 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Dept.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.  It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

JOB CODE: 9102ACS