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Zoo Supervisor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

AB Facility Services

Part Time Outdoor Cleaner

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$12.77/hr

... with zoo-specific guidelines around animal habitats. * Report maintenance issues, safety hazards, damaged equipment, or supply shortages to the supervisor promptly while delivering high-quality ...

New

City of Hampton, VA

Farm Technician

Hampton, VA · On-site

$15.76/hr

In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and ... zoo setting? MUST INCLUDE IN WORK HISTORY TO BE CONSIDERED * No experience * Less than 1 year of ...

City of Norfolk, VA

Electrician III

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$56K - $64K/yr

... Virginia Zoo, Nauticus, and the City's major cultural and entertainment venues operated under ... with supervisors, contractors, and facility stakeholders. Work is performed in occupied public ...

City of Norfolk

Electrician III

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$56K - $64K/yr

... Virginia Zoo, Nauticus, and the City's major cultural and entertainment venues operated under ... with supervisors, contractors, and facility stakeholders. Work is performed in occupied public ...

Maymont Foundation

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20/hr

Will be responsible for training and supervising interns and volunteers. Will be responsible for ... zoo or related facility utilizing life support systemsAdditionally, the ideal candidate will be ...

Maymont Foundation

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA

$43K - $56K/yr

Will be responsible for training and supervising interns and volunteers. * Will be responsible for ... aquarium, zoo or related facility utilizing life support systems * Additionally, the ideal ...

Maymont Foundation

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20/hr

Will be responsible for training and supervising interns and volunteers. * Will be responsible for ... aquarium, zoo or related facility utilizing life support systems * Additionally, the ideal ...

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Zoo Supervisor information

What are the main responsibilities of a zoo supervisor?

A Zoo Supervisor oversees the daily operations of animal exhibits and staff within a section or department of a zoo. They are responsible for supervising animal care, ensuring enclosures are safe and clean, coordinating staff schedules, and implementing animal enrichment programs. Zoo Supervisors also help with training staff, maintaining records, and sometimes assisting with guest education or emergency situations. Their role is crucial in maintaining animal welfare standards and ensuring a safe environment for both animals and visitors.

How does a zoo supervisor typically collaborate with animal care staff and other departments to ensure effective zoo operations?

A Zoo Supervisor works closely with animal caretakers, veterinarians, education teams, and maintenance staff to coordinate daily animal care routines, ensure safety protocols are followed, and address facility needs. Regular meetings and clear communication are essential for managing schedules, responding to animal health concerns, and planning exhibits or events. By fostering teamwork across departments, a Zoo Supervisor helps maintain high standards of animal welfare and guest experience while supporting the professional development of their team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zoo supervisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoo Supervisor, you need a background in animal science or zoology, experience in animal care, and often a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help manage staff and ensure animal welfare. These skills are crucial for maintaining high standards of animal care, regulatory compliance, and effective team performance in a zoo environment.

What is the difference between Zoo Supervisor vs Zoo Keeper?

AspectZoo SupervisorZoo Keeper
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires animal care certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees staff and operations in zoo settings; administrative and supervisory dutiesHands-on animal care in enclosures; direct interaction with animals
Employer & Industry UsageZoos, wildlife parks, conservation organizationsZoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding supervisory roles in zoosAnimal care and daily zoo work

The main difference between a Zoo Supervisor and a Zoo Keeper lies in their responsibilities. Zoo Supervisors oversee staff, manage operations, and ensure safety protocols, while Zoo Keepers focus on direct animal care, feeding, and habitat maintenance. Both roles are essential in zoo environments, but they differ in scope and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Zoo Supervisor jobs in Virginia?

For Zoo Supervisor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Zoo Supervisor jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Zoo Supervisor jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Zoo Supervisor jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Zoo Supervisor job openings:

Zoo Supervisor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoo Supervisor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Animal Ambassador Specialist

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Virginia Zoological Society
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Virginia Zoological Societyexternal

$17 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Virginia Zoo is looking to welcome to the team a full-time Animal Ambassador Specialist to join the team!
Founded in 1901, the Virginia Zoo is located in Norfolk, VA and is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species. It resides on 53 acres and is mostly outdoors with an indoor World of Reptiles exhibit, 3 classrooms, and an indoor restaurant and gift shop.
The Animal Ambassador Specialist at the Virginia Zoo provide the highest level of animal welfare for the Virginia Zoo's Animal Ambassadors. Animal Ambassador Specialists are responsible for the husbandry, training, providing enrichment, and public presentations with all species in the Virginia Zoo animal ambassador program animal collection. Duties involve animal husbandry, training, record keeping, and contributing to creating and presenting enrichment opportunities for animal ambassadors. Animal Ambassador Specialists contribute to the Virginia Zoo mission by delivering public facing education presentations with our Animal Ambassadors.
This is a full-time, Non-Exempt position reporting to the Curator - Animal Ambassadors with the Virginia Zoological Society.
Schedule does vary to include weekends and occasional evenings.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for animal ambassador diet preparation, delivery, feeding, monitoring, and recording.
  • Observes and maintain daily documentation of animal ambassadors to include checking for medical issues, changes in behavior, feeding habits, and overall wellbeing.
  • Contribute for the care of animals as specified by supervisory and veterinary staff in accordance with nutritional, social, physical, and behavioral requirements.
  • Cleans, disinfects, and maintains animal exhibits, enclosures, food and water dishes, pools, and other areas.
  • Maintains and updates all records and information pertaining to animal ambassadors.
  • Maintain up to date knowledge and best practices of behavioral characteristics and handling procedures for assigned animals.
  • Maintain up to date knowledge and ability to conduct animal restraint and operate restraint apparatus such as squeeze cages safely.
  • Conduct research and follow breeding recommendations and protocol set by the Species Survival Plan (SSP).
  • Administer prescribed medical treatment to animal ambassadors as directed by the Zoo Veterinarian.
  • Responsible for cleaning and routine maintenance of animal enclosures, both inside and outside.
  • Contributes with writing animal training plans and engages in training sessions with animals within the animal ambassador department that are voluntary and positive for the animals.
  • Creates perching, shelter, and other animal enclosure furniture features as appropriate for the species and individual animal to provide enrichment.
  • Maintain proper up-to-date knowledge of AZA standards regarding animal handling, animal husbandry, animal welfare, and presentations.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of best practices in animal husbandry, training, enrichment, and educational presentations.
  • Contribute to writing animal enrichment proposals that provides stimulating and safe enrichment opportunities to the animals with the goal of eliciting natural behaviors.
  • Acts as a resource for education staff/volunteers working in the area and/or with animal ambassadors.
  • May assist in working special events or programs as needed for program animal presentation.
  • Contribute to the upkeep of Animal Ambassador handbook consisting of bio-facts, training methods, animal handling procedures, and best practices as required by AZA standards.
  • Diligently adheres to all safety protocols and area standard operating procedures.
  • Track participation of animal ambassador utilized in presentations on a daily/weekly/monthly basis.
  • Track and record guest counts for animal interactions.
  • Contribute to the education and best practices of animal handling of education staff and approved volunteers.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Perks For working at the Virginia Zoo!
  • Positive, fun atmosphere.
  • 15 Paid holidays
  • Generous amount of PTO
  • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and retirement plan are offered following a 60-day probationary period.
  • Free Zoo membership.
  • Discounts in the gift shop and restaurants.
  • Behind-The-Scenes tour.

Requirements
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks.
  • Ability to work with individuals and groups of all ages.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's or Associate' degree in biology or associated field and at least 6 months of progressive experience working with zoological animals required.
  • Experience with zoological animal husbandry required.
  • Knowledge of zoology and informal education preferred.
  • Experience in animal training using positive reinforcement techniques preferred.
  • Experience in the presentation of animal ambassadors to the public preferred.
  • Experience in working with interns and volunteers preferred.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds capacity at times.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and stand; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.

Additional Requirements
  • Able to work indoor and outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to maintain a professional appearance and manner.

At Virginia Zoological Society, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.
The Virginia Zoo is a drug free workplace
Salary Description
$17.00 - $19.50

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