Zoo Supervisor, Zoo Grounds Specialist

Join the team at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an AZA-accredited 11-acre, walk-through zoo adjacent to Hersheypark. ZooAmerica is home to more than 200 animals , representing 65 species and 5 regions of North America.

This position is responsible for the daily care of a variety of zoo animals with primary responsibility for one of the geographical areas of ZooAmerica. Animals in these areas include mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates, including some venomous species. This position also oversees the care, maintenance, and long-term planning of the existing gardens and plant collections, and installation of new landscaping.

As a Full-Time Team Member, you will enjoy sweet perks like FREE admission to Hersheypark, discounts, and more as soon as you receive your Employee ID! Your total compensation consists not only of the wage that you are paid, but also all includes Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage beginning the first day of the next month, 401K Contribution, paid time off, and so much more!

Job Duties (Items marked with an asterisk are essential functions of this position):

• Supervise all aspects of basic animal husbandry and daily care for cleaning, feeding, and observing animals. Oversee nutrition, veterinary care, administration of medication and medical treatment, animal training and enrichment, and maintaining records of all associated documentation.*

• Establish and manage protocols for proper care, diet, and animal welfare of each species in the assigned area. Initiate and execute new animal training protocols for applicable species.*

• Coordinate with maintenance, external vendors, and zoo management to oversee landscaping needs, routine maintenance, and upgrades to all existing ZooAmerica animal habitats across the entire institution, terrestrial and aquatic. Effectively communicate concepts to multiple stakeholders inside and outside to ensure timely planning and execution of exhibit repairs and aesthetics are maintained.*

• Schedule, supervise, and train all part-time naturalist staff in daily animal care and husbandry, including dietary needs and health care.*

• Perform other duties as assigned.*

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of related experience

• Industry Experience - Zoo

• 18 years of age or older

• Must have a valid Drivers' License

• Associate’s degree - Animal Science

• Relevant work experience can be substituted for education - 5 years

• This position may provide care, supervision, guidance, or control of children or may have regular, ongoing contact with children that is integral to the responsibilities of the position. As a result, in accordance with Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law, newly hired candidates are required to obtain the following clearances: a report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse), and Fingerprint-based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI). Completed clearances are required to be submitted prior to starting employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.

• Proficient working with details on a daily basis for prolonged periods of time.

• Experience and ability to handle venomous reptiles and invertebrates is highly preferred.

• Must comply with proper firearms training and safe animal restraint techniques.

• Must be able to discharge firearms for emergency or routine tranquilizing purposes.

• Must possess strong communication skills including speaking to guests and staff both on and off property, writing articles and handling routine correspondence.

• Must be able to work at heights up to 15 feet.

Must be able to climb over barriers and fences.

Job Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Climbing Ladders Occasional (<33%)

• Reaching Forward Frequent (34-66%)

• Climbing Stairs Occasional (<33%) (ft maximum height)

• Lifting Frequent (34-66%) (40lbs maximum weight)

• Reaching Overhead Frequent (34-66%)

• Finger Dexterity Constant (>67%)

• Hand/Eye Coordination Constant (>67%)

• Stooping Frequent (34-66%)

• Bending Frequent (34-66%)

• Sitting Frequent (34-66%)

• Standing Constant (>67%)

• Walking Constant (>67%)

• This job requires minimal visual requirements. Able to distinguish unlike items, detect motion, and distinguish color.

• This job requires a good sense of vision (either corrected or uncorrected). Visual ability to operate moving equipment such as a car, truck, golf carts, etc.

• This job requires the visual ability to view work at distances of approximately 5 feet (operation and adjustment of machinery).

• This job requires the visual ability to perform detailed work at close distances (computer screens, accounting ledgers, using measurement devices).

• This job regularly requires verbal communication of detailed information to others either by phone or in person.

• Must be able to speak and read the English language.

• Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers (Repetitive motion).

• The position is subject to atmospheric conditions. One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin: fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.

• The position is frequently in close quarters, crawl spaces, shafts, man holes, small enclosed rooms, small sewage and line pipes, and other areas that could cause claustrophobia.

• The position is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.

• The position is subject to noise. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise level.

• The position is subject to extreme heat. Temperatures above 100° for periods of more than one hour. Consideration should be given to the effect of other environmental conditions, such as wind and humidity.

• The position is subject to extreme cold. Temperatures typically below 32° for periods of more than one hour. Consideration should be given to the effect of other environmental conditions, such as wind and humidity.

• The position is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.

• The position is subject to outside environmental conditions. No effective protection from the weather.

• The position is subject to environmental conditions. Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including regularly scheduled weekends and holidays. Must wear approved uniform and footwear. Employees should be free of all allergies that would preclude them from working around animals.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.