Animal Care Team Lead
Water's Edge
Location
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
5-10 years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
4h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Animal Care Team Lead assists the Animal Care Manager in overseeing an assigned area, focusing on the daily care and wellbeing of animals, habitat maintenance, and public interaction. This role involves personnel management, developing standard operating procedures, and leading the team in the manager's absence, specifically with the Water's Edge Team caring for marine mammals and avian species.
Animal Care Team Lead
The Animal Care Team Lead assists the Animal Care Manager with the daily management of the assigned area and performs routine animal husbandry, habitat maintenance, public engagement, and team leadership duties. This position supports the Water’s Edge Team, responsible for polar bears, California sea lions, southern sea otters, North American river otters, five penguin species (King, Gentoo, Chinstrap, Macaroni, Humboldt), and trumpeter swans. Prior avian experience, particularly with penguins, is strongly preferred.
Key Responsibilities:
Perform daily animal husbandry, including diet preparation, feeding, medication administration, health procedures, behavioral observation, documentation, and reporting.
Train animals in husbandry, enrichment, and medical behaviors; develop and implement new training plans and behaviors.
Create and implement enrichment strategies and activities.
Clean and maintain animal habitats, holding areas, and staff spaces; perform minor repairs and horticultural work.
Identify and report maintenance issues and safety hazards.
Train new staff, interns, and volunteers on animal care and maintenance procedures.
Assist the Animal Care Manager with interviewing, scheduling, coaching, performance evaluation, and training of staff, interns, and volunteers.
Assist with developing and maintaining standard operating procedures and animal management plans in accordance with AZA and USDA guidelines.
Oversee the assigned area in the absence of the Animal Care Manager, with support from the area curator.
Maintain daily reports, records, and required documentation.
Participate in eligible AZA programs and apply for SSP coordinator/studbook keeper opportunities after meeting requirements.
Interact with guests through animal chats, presentations, tours, special events, and daily visitor engagement.
Represent the Zoo & Aquarium in media relations after completing required training.
Assist with animal shipments and inter-institutional communication and training.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or a related field strongly preferred; high school diploma/GED accepted with relevant experience.
At least 5 years of related zoo or animal husbandry experience required; supervisory experience preferred.
Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, training, and care procedures, with emphasis on pinniped and marine mammal husbandry and operant conditioning.
Strong observational, communication, organizational, and computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and maintain accurate records.
Valid driver’s license.
Must have or obtain SCUBA certification within six months of hire. Open Water SCUBA certification from an internationally recognized agency preferred.
Must pass an AAUS-compliant dive physical and swim test within six months of hire and obtain a negative TB test.
Ability to safely use dive equipment and tools and work in cold water and around animals, including sharks, penguins, and venomous fish.
Ability to lift 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and maintain sufficient mobility for a safe work environment.
Ability to manage stress and make immediate safety decisions involving animals, staff, and the public.
Willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and in varying weather conditions.
Must pass background and drug screening.
Updated 4h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
5-10 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Team size
Growing team
Location
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is a public institution dedicated to the daily care and wellbeing of a diverse animal collection, habitat maintenance, and public interaction through educational presentations and special events.
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Animal Care Team Lead
Kansas City, Missouri, United States • Full Time