Lead Zoo Specialist
Lead Zoo Specialist
City of Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Hourly Range: $30.35 – $34.68 based on qualifications
The City of Oshkosh is seeking a knowledgeable, hands-on, and mission-driven Lead Zoo Specialist to help lead daily operations at Menominee Park Zoo. This role is ideal for an experienced animal care professional who is passionate about animal welfare, conservation, education, and public service.
As the Lead Zoo Specialist, you will provide advanced animal husbandry, daily leadership for animal care staff, and operational support across the zoo. This position plays a key role in maintaining high standards of animal care, supporting exhibits and grounds, and helping deliver meaningful educational and conservation programming for the community.
Working under the general direction of the Park Services and Events Manager, this position offers the opportunity to exercise independent judgment, contribute to zoo operations, and help shape the visitor experience at a valued community asset.
What You’ll Do
- Lead Zoo Operations and Staff: Provide day-to-day leadership to Zoo Specialists, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers; assist with scheduling, workflow coordination, staff training, and performance feedback; support budgeting, procurement, inventory management, and operational planning.
- Support Animal Care and Welfare: Perform and oversee routine husbandry for captive wild and domesticated animals; prepare diets and feed animals according to established schedules; monitor animal health, behavior, enrichment, and breeding activity; maintain accurate records related to animal care, health, and compliance; assist with veterinary care, animal restraint and transfer, and exhibit inspections; recommend improvements to animal care practices and daily work processes; rnsure compliance with animal welfare standards, safety procedures, USDA/DNR regulations, and City policies.
- Engage Visitors and Advance Programming: Interact with visitors and represent the Zoo at community events; lead the development and delivery of educational and conservation programs; educate the public on animals, conservation, and zoo policies; support public use supervision, attendance tracking, and visitor survey efforts; help train seasonal staff, volunteers, and interns involved in programming.
- Maintain Facilities and Grounds: Assist with facility and grounds maintenance throughout the zoo; perform landscaping, cleaning, snow removal, mowing, trimming, painting, and general upkeep; support exhibit construction, repairs, habitat enhancements, and minor construction projects; assist with exhibit design, graphics, natural landscaping, and zoo operational procedures.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, wildlife management, environmental science, or a related field
- 3+ years of professional animal husbandry experience, preferably in a zoo or similar facility working with North American species
- Prior lead worker or supervisor experience
Preferred Background
- Experience with exhibit construction, basic carpentry, facility repairs, or grounds maintenance
- Experience with animal capture, restraint, and control equipment, including tranquilization equipment
- Familiarity with USDA, DNR, or AZA standards
Generous Benefits Plan
- Health, dental, vision,
- State of WI Pension with employer match
- Paid time off upon hire
- Free clinic for those enrolled in our health insurance
- Many more!
Apply
Visit our website and complete our online application for consideration: www.oshkoshwi.gov.
The City of Oshkosh is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workforce. Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome.