Animal Care Professional - Elephant/Rhino (Full-Time)

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is looking for an Animal Care Professional to join our Elephants and Rhino team.

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.
• What are we looking for?

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 and the ability to think ahead and plan.
• Capacity to change and the 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:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance options
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO Vacation and PTO Wellness)
• 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
• And so much more!
• Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace