Herp Hero Wanted: Herpetology Supervisor Position Available!

More than a job, it’s a purpose! Come join us at the Reid Park Zoological Society! We are a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people and animals to ensure the protection of wild animals and wild places. 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 and Songbirds SAFE programs, to name a few recognitions.

We are seeking a seasoned, experienced animal care supervisor with a focus on herpetology! 

Your ‘office’ is within a lush, garden, parklike setting located in midtown, the heartbeat of Tucson, Arizona, “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’ will be in our brand-new Tropical Discovery Center building in our Pathways to Asia expansion.

Our city boasts stunning high-desert valley vistas surrounded by four mountain ranges offering a year-round paradise for cyclists, hikers, birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts. Tucson is also one of the best places in the country for herping!

Named the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy 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, 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 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in 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.

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.

Education and Experience Requirements: Minimum of an associate degree in an animal science, biology, zoology, marine biology or a related life science and eight (8) years’ experience; a minimum of two (2) year’s supervisory experience

Preferred Education and Experience Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in biological science, 5 years’ experience working at an AZA-accredited facility, additional years supervisory experience, and bilingual (Spanish or ASL)

Pay Range: $55,301.00 to $64,979.00 annually based on experience and education

FLSA Status: Exempt/Salaried

Benefits: This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time; retirement plan with match; zoo membership; employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.

Reports to: Animal Care Manager

You are: dependable, reliable, detail-oriented, committed to animal well-being, and have a passion for wild animals and wild places!

The job is: Overseeing a dynamic collection including Komodo Dragon, American Alligator, Galapagos Tortoise, Aldabra Tortoise, a large Reticulated Python as well as a large variety of other amphibians, reptiles, and reptile and amphibian ambassador animals. This position is actively involved in opening numerous new reptile and amphibian habitats as a part of the Zoo’s Pathway to Asia expansion opening in Fall of 2026.

The ideal candidate has strong herpetology husbandry knowledge, is a proven, capable leader, able to constructively and effectively manage a team at a high level. This position will oversee six zookeepers and is responsible for training, mentoring and developing staff, scheduling, and participating in recruitment, selection, and hiring decisions.

This position will be hiring and creating a new team from scratch. The role is hands-on, requiring direct animal care at times. Collaborating with Facilities and Education departments is required, as is working with the Zoo’s Welfare Specialist and Veterinarians to ensure excellent animal welfare standards. This is a working supervisor role, in the fast-paced environment of a growing organization that requires exemplary communication, organizational and time management skills.

General Duties   

• Supervises, trains, schedules, and mentors Zookeepers in their work
• Direct reports may vary from 5 to 7 Zookeepers, depending on the workload of the areas 
• Oversees a subset of the collection animals about wellness, health, training, enrichment, daily care, and all related documentation 
• Assist 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, training and enrichment committees, education department, events team, and safety team
• Completes all required training, including but not limited to job-specific training, safety, zoonotic disease, blood-borne pathogens, animal enrichment, animal training, conservation, Species Survival Plan (SSP), active shooter, DEAI, radio protocol, CPR/ First Aid, hand tool usage, and heavy equipment operation such as skid steer/ forklift truck, etc.

Supervisory Duties

• Ability to constructively mentor and develop direct reports to promote their professional growth and skills
• Delivers annual performance reviews for Zookeepers and actively collaborates with direct reports to create 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 Zookeepers
• Trains and coaches Zookeepers and ensure compliance with safety policies and practices
• Ensures completion of company (including HR required) training by direct reports on time
• Participates in employee relations concerns in partnership with Human Resources and direct supervisor
• Completes 90-day reviews for new hire Zookeepers and creates a work plan with goals
• Facilitates communication and completion of administrative tasks, events, or other company requirements for direct reports
• May act as Incident Commander for Zoo emergencies and drills

Administrative Functions

• Comfortable with animal data software systems such as ZIMS and ZooMonitor
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies
• Provide excellent customer and guest service as a component of all job duties
• Follows zoo safety protocols and procedures

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Associate’s degree in an animal science, biology, zoology, marine biology or a related life science and eight (8) years’ experience
• Two (2) year’s supervisory experience
• Expertise with all aspects of herpetological care, including but not limited to capture and restraint, incubating, hand rearing, training and geriatric care
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver license
• Successfully complete pre-hire background check and drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Most recent Covid-19 Booster (2025 forward)
• Proof of negative TB test within immediate past 12 months, OR complete a pre-hire TB test (company paid) to be renewed annually
• Proof of MMR vaccine OR pre-hire MMR vaccine (no renewal needed)
• Completes all training as required
• Participates in emergency drills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships across the organization, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
• Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
• Regular, consistent attendance at work
• Reliable and able to work to a schedule
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
• Stand and walk for long periods of time
• Repetitious motions with hands
• Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
• Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• A bachelor’s degree in biological science
• 5 years’ experience working at an AZA-accredited facility
• Bilingual (Spanish or ASL)

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

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, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.