Construction Supervision Zoological Specialist

• Project Planning & Design:

  • Assist inthe planning and design of new zoo exhibits, visitor facilities, and infrastructure improvements.
  • Collaborate with architects, engineers, landscape designers, and zoologists to create innovative, immersive, and sustainable habitats.
  • Ensurethat the animal enclosures to be built prioritize animal welfare, natural behaviors, and enrichment opportunities, while providing keepers with optimum working conditions, in line with health & safety regulations.
  • Oversee the integration ofexisting heritage features into the new design and 

• Construction Management:

  • Implement international zoological standards.
  • Guide the local construction and engineering team with thetechnical zoological expertise for detailed design and implementation, including but not limited to:
  • • Details of species-appropriate fencing and barriers 
    • Recommendation of door opening and closing mechanisms
    • Recommendations of temperature and light
    • Recommendations of fauna list
    • Exhibit design furnishings
    • MEP Oversite in regard to practicability
    • Recommendations of implementing health and safety as well as security features
  • Conduct site inspections to ensure quality control, safety compliance, and adherence to design specifications.
  • Address and resolve construction challenges, ensuring minimal disruption to zoo operations and animal well-being.
  • Maintain effective communication with stakeholders, including zoo leadership, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

• Compliance & Safety:
  

  • Ensure all projects comply with local building codes, safety regulations, and zoo accreditation standards (such as AZA, EAZA, or WAZA).
  • Work closely with animal care staff to maintain safe construction practices near animal habitats.
  • Implement risk management strategies to minimize construction-related impacts on animals, staff, and visitors.

• Legal Compliance

  • To ensure that Unity Zoo’s Maintenance Department and all its activities at the Zoo and elsewhere are in full compliance with legislation as appropriate to the Department’s activities and best standards of Health & Safety and in the zoo setting. This will include (but is not restricted to) Health & Safety, zoo licensing, animal welfare, animal and plant management and conservation, environmental protection, routine and ad hoc maintenance, staff compliance etc.

• Budgeting & Resource Management:

  • Optimize the use of resources, materials, and labor to enhance project efficiency and sustainability.
  • Analyzes cost data to identify trends and areas for cost optimization.
  • Evaluates alternative materials, construction methods, and designs to optimize cost-effectiveness.

• Work Environment:

  • Primarily on-site at the zoo, with a mix of office-based and fieldwork responsibilities.
  • Exposure to outdoor environmentsin the Middle East, active construction sites, and proximity to animals.
  • Occasional travel for project meetings, industry conferences, and site assessments.
  • Work collaboratively with other animal care staff to ensure seamless operations.
  • Assist in maintaining proper inventory levels of food and supplies.
  • Undertake daily operations within the Projects Department to ensure the highest level of safety, courtesy, education, efficiency and operational readiness at all times.
  • Communicate to Animal Collection Supervisors and veterinary staff about any animal health concerns to develop and implement a care and treatment plan.
  • Compliance of all policy and procedure documents.
  • Assist in emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals or company property.
  • Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of 7-10 years of hands-on Experience working with zoological institutions, accredited zoos, or wildlife conservation projects.
• Knowledge of animal welfare standards and exhibit enrichment best practices.
• Qualification and extensive practical experience in Animal Care and Management, combined with experience in enclosure design and building or renovation.
• Strong knowledge of exhibit design principles, animal habitat requirements, and environmental sustainability.
• Familiarity with construction safety regulations and building codes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skillsin a multi-national and multi-mother tongue team.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management software, CAD, and design tools is a plus.

The individual must possess the following abilities to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some or a combination of the abilities.

• • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to work outdoors.
  • Ability to read, listen and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system.
  • Hearing and visual ability to observe and detect signs of emergency situations.
  • Requires the ability to perform the physical, visual and hearing requirements in the working conditions below.

• Upon employment all team members are required to comply with the standards, rules and regulations, which may be established by the Company and updated from time-to-time. Team members who violate property rules or have irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
• The leisure business functions seven days a week. Due to the seasonal nature of the industry, team members may be required to work varying schedules, weekends, holidays and overtime to reflect the business needs of the property. Team members may also be required to attend group and/or department meetings in addition to the work shift as necessary.
• This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that a team member in this position may be asked to perform.