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Animal Care Team Lead
Water's Edge
Location
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
5+ years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
1d 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 working with marine mammals and penguins in the Water's Edge team.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Animal Care Team Lead assists the Animal Care Manager with the operational and personnel management of the Water's Edge section. This team oversees the husbandry of polar bears, California sea lions, southern sea otters, North American river otters, five penguin species, and trumpeter swans. In addition to daily husbandry, enrichment, conditioning, and habitat maintenance, this role provides supervisory support, develops standard operating procedures (SOPs), leads public education programs, and oversees area operations in the manager's absence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Animal Husbandry and Conditioning
- Prepare animal diets, conduct feedings, administer medications, and assist veterinary staff with medical procedures.
- Monitor animal health, welfare, and behavior daily, maintaining detailed records and logs.
- Design, implement, and evaluate operant conditioning programs for husbandry, enrichment, and medical behaviors.
- Formulate and introduce progressive behavioral enrichment items and strategies.
- Assist with inter-institutional transfers and animal transport travel as required.
Habitat Maintenance and SCUBA Operations
- Clean and sanitize habitats, pools, holding stalls, service areas, and grounds.
- Perform underwater habitat cleaning and maintenance using SCUBA gear in cold water and alongside aquatic species.
- Perform basic habitat repairs, horticultural upkeep, and ensure work areas remain free of safety hazards.
Leadership and Administration
- Assist with personnel management, including interviewing, onboarding, training, scheduling, evaluating, and coaching keepers, interns, and volunteers.
- Draft, update, and implement area SOPs and animal management plans in compliance with AZA and USDA regulations.
- Step in as acting area supervisor during the absence of the Animal Care Manager.
- Represent the facility in AZA programs, SSPs, and studbooks as eligible.
Guest Education and Media
- Conduct keeper chats, public educational presentations, and VIP/donor tours.
- Engage with daily guests on wildlife conservation and serve as a media spokesperson following marketing training.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- 5+ years of professional animal husbandry experience in an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium.
- High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or a related field strongly preferred.
- Prior supervisory or team lead experience preferred.
- Direct background in marine mammal/pinniped husbandry and operant conditioning strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital animal record systems.
Certifications and Health Requirements
- Valid driver's license.
- Negative TB test result prior to hire.
- Pass background check and drug screening.
- Must hold or obtain Open Water SCUBA certification within 6 months of hire; pass AAUS-compliant dive physical and swim test within 6 months.
PHYSICAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs; stand, stoop, and walk for extended durations.
- Willingness and physical capability to SCUBA dive in cold water habitats containing live animals (e.g., sharks, penguins, venomous fish).
- Ability to manage stressful, high-risk situations involving large carnivores and marine mammals (shifting, feeding, medical handling).
- Work outdoors across extreme seasonal weather conditions.
- Flexibility to work irregular schedules, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and emergency shifts.
Updated 1d ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
5+ 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