Job Title: Browse Team Lead 

FLSA Status: Non-exempt 

Hours:  Full-time 

Summary: 

This position is responsible for the complete safe and efficient logistics of providing browse and other forage material to various animal crews at the zoo. This includes but is not limited to fresh browse, hays and sprouted fodder. This position is the point of contact for all forage-related needs. As such, the Browse Team Lead is responsible for directly overseeing the program, coordinating daily staff assignments and budget management for the Browse Team. This requires direct coordination of forage deliveries along with coordinating with the Diet Kitchen Supervisor for diet delivery logistics. This position is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment for self, fellow employees, guests and the animal collection. This position falls under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Manager.  

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to): 

• Responsible for coordinating the daily activities of Browse Team employees, students, and interns. This includes overseeing the tasks of maintaining of all browse garden areas such as team scheduling, watering, weeding, and mulching. 




• Work closely with all departments to ensure both forage needs and diet delivery needs are met for the zoo.  

• Plan and execute browse acquisition opportunities, including establishing new community partners and coordinating deliveries in order to supply the needed browse material for all departments.  




• Plan, schedule, and execute departmental projects such as the diet delivery system, silage preparation, and planting work crews.  




• Record important departmental data, including but not limited to: details of browse deliveries from the community (i.e. when, how much material, who received browse, etc.), records of community browse partners and hay vendors, records of browse preservation efforts, and diet delivery information.  




• Responsible for collecting and reporting weekly dry diet orders to Diet Kitchen Supervisor.  




• Provide timely reports to Nutrition Manager regarding department issues or concerns.  

• Coordinate with the Nutrition Manager to set browse acquisition targets in order to ensure forage needs are met according to species dietary needs.  




• Oversee the organization and upkeep of hay barn and equipment inventory, including ordering hay shipments.  




• Oversee daily and other scheduled cleaning and maintenance of related building and equipment.  




• Have and develop protocols for animal and staff safety relating to forage materials.  




• Detect, remedy, and inform Nutrition Manager of any problems with food quality, inventory levels, and anything affecting safety or sanitation.  

• Actively develop department improvements for forage acquisition, animal safety, staff safety, and/or forage value.  




• Plan, schedule and conduct division projects, maintenance and periodic activities and organize fellow keepers to complete such projects.  




• Determine equipment needs and be responsible for acquiring the necessary items.  
   

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: 

•  Familiarity with basic tree identification skills preferred. 

• Minimum of 5 years employment at an AZA accredited facility or tree care experience. 




• Related animal or plant experience and demonstrated expertise will be considered, at the discretion of the hiring committee and Nutrition Manager.  




• Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, animal science, biology, forestry, forage management, or related field required. 




• Strong organization skills, strong communication skills, strong work ethic, self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a team 




• Demonstrated interest or experience in tree care related to animal husbandry. 

All candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative TB test, Covid-19 test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving history. 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: 

• Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some week-night programs.  




• Must be able to walk long distances across the zoo.  

• Must be able to stand, sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head and climb.  




• Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 70 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.  

DISCLAIMER 

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.  

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.