Animal Encounters Assistant Manager [Full-Time]

Animal Encounters Assistant Manager

• Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

As the Animal Encounters Assistant Manager, you will assist the Animal Encounters and AAT Manager in overseeing all areas of the zoo’s Animal Encounters team. This includes Butterfly Rainforest, Flamingo Mingle and Giraffe Deck, as well as any other interpretive stations that we create. You will be responsible for managing and training of Zoo team members under your direct supervision. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will always uphold yourself to the highest level of professionalism and interest in guest service and assistance.

As an Animal Encounters Assistant Manager, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:

• Supervise and coordinate the efficient and cost-effective operations of animal encounters
• Supervise and coordinate VIP tours, special events and other programs involving the encounters. Assist in supervising and coordinating other events as needed, from planning to execution
• Establish, direct, and enforce operating policies and procedures.
• Establish and support par levels at encounters.
• Establish and support meaningful, conservation-based, guest interactions.
• Ensure encounters are opened and closed at proper times.
• Follow yearly revenue and expense budgets.
• Ensure enough encounters employees are available to fill required positions.
• Create weekly schedules for the encounters team, ensuring adequate staffing at all areas
• Take lead on all training and audits as needed
• Ensure encounter spaces are maintained in a neat, clean, and healthy manner.
• Generate required reports as needed.
• Collaborate with zoo staff to ensure accurate dissemination of information as well as maximum use of the zoo’s resources to support conservation education.
• Uphold all company policies as outlined in the Team Member Handbook.
• Constantly exhibit a guest service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in guest comfort and service.
• Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and assist guests with questions and directions to various areas of the Zoo. Address the guest - do not wait to be asked.
• Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Consistently exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the zoo, showing hospitality to all.
• Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and the animals we protect.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.
• Remove trash and debris from public area.

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:

• You are driven, detail-oriented, positive attitude and a people person.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of interpretation and current guest experience trends.
• Knowledge of zoology, ecology, animal behavior and related topics preferred
• Possess strong leadership skills with experience managing multiple operations and ability to work effectively and diplomatically with diverse groups of people.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to train employees in fun and effective conservation education encounters to engage Zoo guests and use best practices for interpretation and engagement.
• Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to deal with employee and employee/Guest relations.
• Ability to organize be attentive to details, exercise sound judgment and respond effectively under pressure.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays and occasional after-hour assignments. The San Antonio Zoo is open year-round.
• Must be able to work in varying climate and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold).
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, col