Supervisor of Animal Training

Description

Job Title: Supervisor of Animal Training

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours: Full-time (typically 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday but flexibility is needed to occasionally accommodate evening and weekend hours)

Pay Rate: Starts at $54,071/year

Summary:

The Supervisor of Animal Training at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium plays a key role in overseeing and supporting the animal training program at both the Zoo and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. This position focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating training practices to enhance animal welfare and behavior management for all collection animals.

Additionally, the supervisor collaborates with various teams to ensure a holistic approach to animal care and is cross-trained in other aspects of the Animal Behavior and Wellbeing (ABW) program. Reporting directly to the Manager of Animal Behavior and Wellbeing, this role is essential in advancing the Zoo’s commitment to excellence in animal training and welfare.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Assist Manager of ABW in collaborating with external consultants and internal stakeholders to enhance and refine training program infrastructure.
• Develop and implement training guidelines, procedures and best practices to align with institutional goals and industry standards.
• Create and oversee goal-oriented training plans in partnership with animal care staff to improve behavioral outcomes.
• Observe and evaluate animal training sessions, providing constructive feedback to ensure effective training techniques.
• Develop educational content for animal training classes and workshops alongside the Manager of ABW.
• Independently lead and facilitate animal training classes and workshops, ensuring staff are equipped with necessary skills and knowledge.
• Participate in hands-on animal training sessions, either as a trainer or an assistant, as needed.
• Engage in regular meetings with animal care teams and colleagues to identify and assess training challenges and create action plans for resolution.
• Work closely with the Animal Health team to understand and support medical behavior training objectives.
• Actively contributes to cross-departmental initiatives by assisting with data collection, conducting welfare assessments, and leading enrichment workshops.
• Ensure training practices align with broader animal welfare goals to promote overall well-being.
• Supervise part-time team members, interns, students, and volunteers, providing mentorship and guidance as needed.
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices by completing ongoing professional development and continuing education in animal training, enrichment, animal welfare, and communication.
• Represent the department in internal and external professional settings, sharing insights and innovations in animal training.
• Support after-hours events as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to training progress, enrichment activities and welfare assessments.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience training animals utilizing least intrusive methods and coaching others in animal training.
• At least 8 years of experience in an AZA-accredited zoo or similar setting preferred.

Education:

• B.S in biology, psychology, applied behavior analysis, or a related biological field.
• Certificate of completion for Susan Friedman’s How Behavior Works/LLA course preferred.
• Certified Professional Animal Trainer - Knowledge Assessed Certificate through IATCB preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; includes the ability to use the appropriate science-based terminology related to animal training.
• Strong desire to teach and learn from both people and animals.
• Working knowledge of animal welfare science.
• Demonstrated expertise in operant and respondent conditioning principles and procedures.
• Proven experience coaching others in animal training.
• Familiarity with AZA accreditation standards for animal training, enrichment, and welfare.
• Ability to work independently, effectively managing time and resources.
• Able to stand for extended periods and work in inclement weather conditions to observe animal behavior.
• Proficiency with computers including applications in Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Ongoing commitment to personal and professional development.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Current Tuberculosis test is required prior to hiring.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.

Qualifications

Salary : $54,071