Overnight Ranger Supervisor

The Overnight Ranger Supervisor is a leadership role responsible for overseeing the nighttime operations of the ranger team to ensure the security, safety, and operational efficiency of the zoo after hours. This position involves supervising staff, monitoring zoo grounds, responding to emergencies, and ensuring the protection of guests, staff, and animal residents. The Overnight Ranger Supervisor fosters a culture of professionalism, safety, and conservation awareness.

Our Mission:  Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. 

Our Vision:  Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Leadership and Team Supervision

• Lead, supervise, and mentor the ranger team, fostering a positive and professional work environment.
• Coordinate schedules, assign tasks, and ensure adequate coverage of zoo grounds during operational hours.
• Monitor performance and provide constructive feedback, coaching, and formal evaluations for staff.
• Assist with the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new Zoo Rangers.
• Use Discretion: Handle sensitive information with care and tact, ensuring decisions are made thoughtfully and in the best interest of the organization.
• Maintain Confidentiality: Safeguard confidential information, ensuring privacy and trust within the team and organization.
• Strong Decision-Making Skills: Analyze situations critically and make informed, effective decisions that align with organizational goals and values.
• Prioritize Workload: Efficiently assess tasks, ensuring that high-priority projects are completed first while balancing other responsibilities.
• Time Management: Organize and manage time effectively to meet deadlines, increase productivity, create balance and reduce stress.
• Accountability: Takes personal responsibility and ownership for adhering to all company policies and procedures while also completing work timely and in accordance with performance expectations.
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Safety, Security, and Emergency Management

• Oversee the safety and security of the zoo during overnight hours, ensuring patrols, monitoring, and incident responses align with established protocols.
• Act as the primary point of contact during overnight emergencies, including medical incidents, facility concerns, and security threats.
• Conduct regular security inspections and audits of zoo facilities, identifying and mitigating potential risks.
• Maintain and enforce emergency response plans in collaboration with the Operations and Safety teams.
• Serve as a liaison with local law enforcement and emergency responders as needed.

Guest and Staff Support

• Ensure the overnight team provides assistance to authorized personnel, contractors, and overnight guests when applicable.
• Monitor high-priority areas to ensure a safe and secure environment for all overnight activities, including special events and animal care operations.
• Investigate and document any security incidents, trespassing, or unusual activities occurring overnight.

Operations and Training

• Develop and implement ongoing training programs for Overnight Rangers, focusing on security protocols, emergency response, and facility operations.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents, overnight activities, and team performance, generating reports for zoo leadership.
• Collaborate with other departments, including Animal Care, Maintenance, and Facilities, to support overnight operations and security needs.
• Ensure the proper use and maintenance of security equipment, including surveillance systems, radios, and access controls.

Conservation and Sustainability

• Promote and support the zoo’s conservation initiatives by ensuring overnight operations align with sustainability efforts.
• Follow and enforce policies related to waste reduction, energy efficiency, and water conservation during overnight shifts.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.
• Contributes to other operational priorities as needed.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum two (2) years leadership or supervisory experience: Supervises work through the planning and scheduling of work, and the review and approval of tasks and/or training
• Experienced with guest/customer relations; ability to respond appropriately to safety concerns and guest complaints
• Strong leadership skills and ability to deliver constructive feedback to Ranger team members.
• Maintains composure in stressful situations and able to adjust to a variety of staff and guest needs
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
• Ability to partner across teams and with all levels of staff

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO

The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer