Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is looking for an Animal Care Professional to join our Africa Hoofstock 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 are scheduling interviews soon.
Position Summary
- Duties include, but are not limited to, daily care and feeding of assigned animals in collection, maintenance of animal exhibits and night-houses, behavioral observations, record keeping, animal enrichment and training, assisting veterinary staff, operation of utility vehicles, and public presentations.
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 preparing and distributing 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).
- Animal capture, restraint and handling techniques.
- Engage with the Zoo guests at exhibits, conservation stations, keeper talks, training demonstrations and/or shows.
- Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals.
- Assist in animal procedures including, but not limited to, translocations, veterinary procedures and crating.
- Strong knowledge of Zoo layout and general animal collection to respond quickly during animal emergencies and also assist guests on a daily basis with exhibit location.
- Initiates and completes area projects with supervisor’s approval.
- Adherence to area’s standard operating procedures (SOP).
- Knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns and reporting protocols.
- Knowledge of husbandry requirements and the prevention of zoonotic diseases.
- Knowledge of basic nutrition requirements for assigned area(s).
- Assist registrar in area’s record keeping.
- Inspect, clean and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas.
- Propose and perform species-specific enrichment.
- Promote active guest engagement through interaction with guests during both formal and informal discussions, during events and as otherwise 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.
- Respond to and assist supervisor in guiding the resolution of emergency situations (e.g., Code I, II, III) within the Zoo.
- Guide subordinate co-workers on intermediate procedures.
- Observe safety policies and procedures in regard to the use of Zoo equipment, materials, chemicals and vehicles.
Qualifications and Experience:
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED); AA degree or higher preferred.
- Three or more years paid keeper experience in an AZA accredited institution.
- SCUBA and First-Aid Certification for specific areas.
- Knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software.
- Must have good written and oral communication skills and ability to effectively participate in guest engagement activities.
- Must be self-motivated and goal oriented.
- Must be able to maintain discretion with confidential information.
- Ability to appropriately apply animal training through the use of operant and classical conditioning.
- Thorough knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with members of all departments and to work effectively alone and in group settings.
- Ability to complete projects in a reasonable time frame to the 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.
- Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
- Capacity to anticipate ability to think ahead and plan.
- Capacity to change: ability to identify and correct operational problems quickly.
- Must be able to think logically and solve problems with minimal guidance.
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 weekend, to support special events and the needs of the collection.
Our Perks at ZooTampa:
Full-time Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life Insurance, 403(b) Pension Plan Vacation and sick time.
- Employee Assistance Program Tuition Forgiveness Free gym membership Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida
- Aquarium Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida Discounted auto insurance And so much more!
- Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace
Experience Required
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED); AA degree or higher preferred.
- Three or more years paid keeper experience in an AZA accredited institution.
- SCUBA and First-Aid Certification for specific areas. Knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software.
- Must have good written and oral communication skills and ability to effectively participate in guest engagement activities.
- Must be self-motivated and goal oriented.
- Must be able to maintain discretion with confidential information.
- Ability to appropriately apply animal training through the use of operant and classical conditioning.
- Thorough knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with members of all departments and to work effectively alone and in group settings.
- Ability to complete projects in a reasonable time frame to the 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.
- Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
- Capacity to anticipate ability to think ahead and plan.
- Capacity to change: ability to identify and correct operational problems quickly.
- Must be able to think logically and solve problems with minimal guidance.
Perks
- Medical,
- Dental,
- Vision,
- Pet,
- Life Insurance,
- 403(b) Pension Plan Vacation and sick time.
- Employee Assistance Program Tuition Forgiveness Free gym membership Free admission to the Zoo,
- MOSI,
- and the Florida Aquarium Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida Discounted auto insurance And so much more!
