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Regional hiringpublishedExternal employer
FWFort Wayne Zoo
Fort Wayne Zoo•Zoo

Animal Care Supervisor

Location

Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

3+ years

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

Posted

2d ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Animal Care Supervisor oversees daily operations and staff in the Aquatics section of the Fort Wayne Zoo, ensuring high standards of animal welfare and facility maintenance. This leadership role involves direct supervision, training, guest engagement, and administrative duties, requiring a blend of field and office work.

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is seeking a full-time Animal Care Supervisor for its Aquatics section. This role oversees daily animal management, animal welfare, and keeper supervision across marine and freshwater exhibits, including Indo-Pacific reef fish, sharks, lionfish, jellyfish, coral, river otters, African penguins, American alligators, California sea lions, and harbor seals.

This 40-hour per week position balances fieldwork and administrative oversight (approx. 70/30 split), requiring strong leadership, animal husbandry expertise, and guest engagement.

POSITION: Animal Care Supervisor - Aquatics SCHEDULE: Full-time (40 hours/week, year-round; includes weekends, evenings, holidays) LOCATION: Fort Wayne, IN

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Care and Facility Operations:

  • Conduct daily rounds across aquatic exhibits to ensure high standards of animal welfare, sanitation, and protocol adherence.

  • Oversee animal health monitoring, document behavioral and clinical observations, and carry out veterinary treatment plans alongside Zoo veterinarians.

  • Perform and record objective animal welfare assessments.

  • Assist in maintaining life support systems, exhibits, and holding spaces; coordinate facility repairs with maintenance.

  • Step in as an Animal Care Specialist when needed to maintain coverage.

  • Track section expenses and supply budgets.

  • Operate zoo vehicles to safely transport animals, equipment, and materials.

Supervisory and Team Leadership:

  • Supervise, mentor, and schedule animal care staff; manage shift assignments, timecards, and leave requests.

  • Partner with People Services to recruit, interview, onboard, evaluate, and coach staff.

  • Ensure all safety rules, animal handling protocols, and zoo operating standards are met.

  • Foster an inclusive, accountable, and collaborative team culture.

Guest Experience and Engagement:

  • Deliver educational keeper presentations, VIP tours, and encounters.

  • Engage visitors constructively and represent the Zoo with professionalism.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in life sciences, zoology, biology, or a related field.

  • Minimum of 3 years of animal care experience in an AZA-accredited or professional zoological institution.

  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

  • Background in operant conditioning, positive reinforcement training, and species-appropriate behavioral enrichment.

  • Demonstrated ability to handle high-stress situations involving animal restraint or emergency care.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, records tracking, and administrative reporting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Practical experience with aquatic life support systems (LSS), filtration, and water quality testing.

  • Background supervising marine mammals (pinnipeds), elasmobranchs, or crocodilians.

  • Experience with staff scheduling and performance management.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Ability to lift and transport up to 50 pounds regularly.

  • Ability to move, stand, bend, and navigate varied terrain for extended periods.

  • Comfort working in tight spaces and wet or humid environments.

  • Tolerance for outdoor weather extremes (heat, cold, ice, rain).

  • Potential exposure to zoonotic pathogens, allergens, bites, stings, and venomous aquatic species.

Updated 2d ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Care and Handling • 1+ yrs
Operant Conditioning • 1+ yrs
Behavioral Enrichment • 1+ yrs
Animal Welfare Assessment • 1+ yrs
Supervision • 1+ yrs
Communication • 1+ yrs
Organizational Skills • 1+ yrs
Microsoft Office • 1+ yrs

Experience

3+ years

Certifications

Valid Driver's License • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodYearly

Benefits and perks

Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationFort Wayne, Indiana, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleHigh • 9/10
physicalMedium • 7/10
cognitiveHigh • 8/10
executionHigh • 8/10
creativityMedium • 6/10
uncertaintyMedium • 6/10
communicationHigh • 8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Fort Wayne Zoo

Team size

Growing team

Location

Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States

The Fort Wayne Zoo is a zoological park that provides care for a diverse range of species, including Indo-Pacific reef fish, sharks, lionfish, jellyfish, coral, North American river otter, African black-footed penguin, American alligator, California sea lion, and harbor seal.

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Animal Care Supervisor

Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States • Full Time