Zookeeper

Roles and responsibilities

The Tropical Bird Manager is responsible of a smooth and efficient operations of the assigned section and team; thus, directly impacting the health and safety of animals, guests, colleagues and contractors and the Theme Park’s operations.

This position leads the team in delivering an excellent guests experience and in maintaining the behavioral husbandry and welfare of the assigned animal population in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Oversees all animal presentation behaviors and works directly with the Guest Experience and/or Education department on operational needs. This position oversees departmental budgets, department’s animal sustainable population planning (including acquisitions and dispositions). Participates in exhibit design and planning on small and large capital expansions.

Job scope:

• Leads, supports, and coordinates all animal behavior and husbandry requirements for an assigned animal habitat area in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
• Develops and maintains safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for guests, colleagues and animals
• Develops behavior and enrichment plans for all animals in the assigned realm
• Oversees the care and maintenance of all guest-facing displays as well as quarantine facilities
• Monitors the trainings and development of all colleagues in the section, evaluates their competency level and ensures that all required certifications are acquired
• Manages the schedules and tasks assignments of the team
• Monitors the activities and performance of the team, identifies areas for improvement and communicates the necessary updates
• Maintains and improves high standards of animal welfare and behavior that meet or exceed all professional zoo/aquarium accreditation standards
• Assists with the development of future attractions and interaction programs for the park
• Collaborates with the leadership, other sections of Zoological and other departments with regards to the status of animals, shows, programs or presentation
• Develops, updates and manages animal presentation behavioral plans and high-quality animal/guest interaction programs
• Works with the leadership on the animal population management planning and initiatives
• Participates in developing animal presentations’ goals and objectives
• Assists the leadership on the sections budget, operating and capital expenses
• Performs other duties as assigned

Desired candidate profile

• Develops, updates and manages animal presentation behavioral plans and high-quality animal/guest interaction programs
• Works with the leadership on the animal population management planning and initiatives
• Participates in developing animal presentations’ goals and objectives
• Assists the leadership on the sections budget, operating and capital expenses
• Performs other duties as assigned
  

To be considered for the role, you will need to have:

• Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, related to the Zoological field to include animal behavior or natural sciences
• 7 years of animal husbandry and behavioral experience in a zoological facility
• 3 years of experience in a Zoological leadership position
• At least 5 years of professional experience working in the Bird/Avian section
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Thorough knowledge with professional zoo/aquarium, animal behavior and conservation communities