Assistant Supervisor - Butterflies (Temporary)
Description
JOB SUMMARY
This is a “working” supervisory position in Education, working closely with the Assistant Director, Education, covering daily routines as assigned, providing exceptional care to butterflies, and helping to advance the Zoo’s educational mission. The Assistant Supervisor – Butterflies assists in the daily operation of the department, management of butterfly husbandry programs, and maintenance of associated butterfly facilities. The Assistant Supervisor – Butterflies will serve as primary contact and liaison for the butterfly section in the absence of the Assistant Director, Education, and provide leadership to lepidopterists. Duties will also include assisting with supervision and providing feedback to the lepidopterist team and working closely and effectively with various departments to achieve the best experience for visitors, volunteers, and staff. This is a full-time, temporary position.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Organize and coordinate butterfly section’s daily activities, overseeing lepidopterists, and delegating tasks per Assistant Director, Education’s direction;
· Lead by example: maintain familiarity with all aspects of husbandry and guest engagement routines, assisting when needed;
· Assist in the hiring of, then train, lepidopterists in all aspects of husbandry (diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, and maintenance of exhibit) and education (communicating guest conduct policies, butterfly life cycle, and butterfly conservation);
· Provide overall daily care of butterflies and exhibits to ensure animal health, safety, and wellbeing, staff and public safety as set forth by AZA, USDA, and DZM;
· Observe and monitor butterflies’ general health and behavior, reporting any abnormal behavior to supervisor and/or veterinary staff.
· Provide care for butterflies throughout their life cycle, including chrysalis handling, butterfly release, and clean-up of expired butterflies.
· Maintain accurate butterfly records, related to daily care, shipments, and all other general animal wellbeing details.
· Proactively engage audiences through mission-driven experiences that inspire and empower audiences to take part in conservation actions on behalf of wildlife:
· Reinforce and encourage interest in wildlife through age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate, positive engagement with guests via programming;
· Actively inspire and empower audiences to develop an interest in and empathy for wildlife through positive and engaging interactions via experiential education programming focused on Dallas Zoo conservation priorities;
· In collaboration with Education Leadership, train and oversee teen and adult volunteers in the butterfly habitat;
· Keep current on conservation issues, interpretive techniques, and conservation psychology/community-based social marketing best practices;
· Maintain positive, professional relationships with Dallas Zoo staff, guests, and volunteers;
· Assist in the organization and maintenance of educational materials as needed.
· Collaborate with other Zoo personnel as needed to meet the Dallas Zoo’s mission. This can include, but is not limited to, assisting and participating in media events, special tours, and public relations projects;
· Follow all safety protocols and understand the position’s role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required;
· Assist with the beautification of our park by removing litter and debris whenever you see it;
· Assist with and raise awareness for AZA SAFE programs and Dallas Zoo conservation efforts;
· Assist with other miscellaneous projects assigned by Dallas Zoo’s Education leadership team;
· Must be willing to support the Dallas Zoo’s Mission and Vision statement.
· Dallas Zoo is open to the public 364 days out of the year. Therefore, all positions at the Dallas Zoo may require employees to work on weekends, holidays, and evenings.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor’s degree is preferred in natural sciences or education. Natural history knowledge is essential, regardless of the degree topic. Experience will be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
· Related experience required and supervisory or leadership experience highly preferred;
· Experience working with the public, especially with children ages 12 years and younger required. Previous work with volunteers is preferred.
· Competent in current technology used in educational settings, including interactive technology.
· Experience or knowledge of animal husbandry or animal wellbeing best practices, especially related to butterflies, is preferred.
· Must be solution-oriented, finding creative solutions for complex challenges.
· Demonstrated ability to promote good morale and productivity in the workplace.
· Must be flexible, self-motivated, and a team player. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, and zoo guests.
· Must be able to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
· Must have strong time management and observational skills.
· Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50lbs.
· Must be able to work on holidays and weekends.
· Must be able to actively work in inclement weather.
· Must have a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.
Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test.