Animal Care Professional - Florida & Manatee Critical Care Center (Full-time)

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? Zoo Tampa is looking for a full time Animal Care Professional 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

• Duties include, but are not limited to, daily care and feeding of assigned animals in Florida collection including the Manatee Critical Care center, 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. 
• The Manatee Critical Care center is open 24/7 and employees are expected to have a flexible schedule with the ability to do overnight shifts.  Scuba certification is required.  

Who We Are

• ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 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.
• 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.
• Maintain and promote a positive and productive working environment.
• Guide subordinate co-workers on intermediate procedures.
• Observe safety policies and procedures in regards 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 is required for this position. 
• 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 department, and to work effectively alone and in group setting.
• 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 week-end, to support special events and the needs of the collection.
• ​​​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
• 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