Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is looking for a full time Animal Care Associate to work on our Florida Wilds team.
- Are you the kind of person who is passionate about rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for animals?
- Do you care about creating exceptional, personal experiences with co-workers and guest?
- Do you want to work in a fun and immersive environment where your contribution impacts the mission of the organization?
- If so apply today, we will be scheduling interviews soon.
Position Summary
- The Animal Care Associate is responsible for the daily care and feeding of assigned animals, habitat and night-house maintenance, behavioral observations, record keeping, enrichment, training, assistance with veterinary procedures, operation of utility vehicles, guest interactions and encounters.
Who We Are
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually.
- We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities.
- The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
- Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
- Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
- Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Your day to day
- Essential Functions (including but not limited to)
- General husbandry and care of assigned animals, including preparation and distribution of approved animal diets.
- Close observation of animal behaviors with a particular focus on appropriate appetite, mobility, and waste production to monitor health of animals; notification of appropriate animal care staff of any concerns.
- Shift animals according to area’s standard operating procedures (SOP).
- Basic animal capture, restraint and handling techniques.
- Engage with Zoo guests at habitats, encounters, chats, training demonstrations, and/or shows.
- Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals.
- Strong knowledge of zoo layout and general animal collection to respond quickly during animal emergencies and assist guests daily with habitat location.
- Adherence to area’s standard operating procedures (SOP).
- Knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns, and reporting protocols.
- Inspect, clean, and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas.
- Species-specific enrichment and guest engagement as assigned.
- Report animal illness, maintenance, safety, horticulture, or other needs to appropriate staff.
- Assist in animal procedures including, but not limited to, translocations, veterinary procedures, and crating.
- Maintain cleanliness of both habitats and back of house areas.
- Respond to emergency situations (e.g., Code I, II, III) within the Zoo.
- Observe safety policies and procedures in regards to the use of Zoo equipment, materials, chemicals, and vehicles.
- Other duties as assigned.
- What are we looking for?
Qualifications and Experience
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; advanced degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field of study preferred.
- Minimum of one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- SCUBA and First-Aid Certification required for aquatics and manatee teams.
- Basic animal training through the use of operant and classical conditioning, with an emphasis on understanding the principles of behavior modification to effectively shape and reinforce desired behaviors.
- Understanding of zoonotic diseases and animal husbandry standards
- Knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software.
- Must have good written and oral communication skills.
- Must be self-motivated and goal-oriented.
- Must be able to maintain discretion with confidential information.
- Ability to develop positive relationships with members of all department, and to work effectively alone and in group setting.
- Ability to complete projects in a reasonable time frame, to the complete satisfaction of management.
- Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors, and the general public.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
- Must have the ability to follow specific instructions and also be comfortable self-directing within assigned parameters.
- Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.
Other Requirements
- Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
- Possess visual, hearing and other sensory and cognitive capacity appropriate for animal care and general safety practices.
- Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking, and to engage in physical labor (raking, sweeping, shoveling).
- Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough terrain on foot and by vehicle.
- Must be able to safely and effectively engage in heavy lifting (up to 50 pounds).
- Ability to work long hours and varying shifts, including nights and week-end, to support special events and the needs of the collection.
- Attend and complete all required employee traininngs.
- Full time
Our Perks at ZooTampa
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life Insurance, 403(b) Pension Plan
- Vacation and sick time
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Forgiveness
- Discounted gym membership
- Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children's Museum, and the Florida Aquarium
- Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
- And so much more!
- Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace
