Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted to be open until September 24, 2025, or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well-qualified candidate pool has been established. Early submission is encouraged.
- Are you passionate about working with elephants, rhinos, and other ungulates?
- At Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, we’re on a mission to "Connect the community to wildlife with wild places".
- We’re seeking a full-time, Mammal Care Specialist II to join our dedicated animal care team.
- This role is essential in supporting our strategic plan by exceeding modern animal care regulations and ensuring the highest standards of animal wellbeing in the assigned areas.
- As a Mammal Care Specialist II, you will have the unique opportunity to care for a diverse collection of large mammals, including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelope, and warthogs.
- We’re looking for candidates with two (2) years experience caring for large mammal species in a zoological, sanctuary, or wildlife rehabilitation setting.
- Join us in making a difference for these incredible animals, ensuring their health, happiness, and thriving futures.
What You'll Do:
Ensure Safety & Security:
- Follow all zoo safety protocols, respond immediately to safety or security issues, and comply with PPE and lock policies.
Animal Care & Wellness:
- Monitor animal health and behavior, conduct daily care tasks (feeding, watering, medications, habitat maintenance), maintain accurate records, and participate in medical procedures, enrichment, and training programs.
Advanced Husbandry:
- Initiate diet changes, develop and update husbandry protocols, plan and coordinate animal introductions, participate in Managed Animal Plan (MAP) and habitat planning, and coordinate animal shipments.
Mentorship & Collaboration:
- Train and oversee interns and volunteers, collaborate with team members, and cross-train in other areas or divisions (with leadership approval).
Guest Engagement:
- Provide educational and conservation-focused messaging during tours, presentations, and guest interactions.
Compliance & Standards:
- Adhere to AZA, FWC, USDA, OSHA, and other professional standards.
Additional Duties:
- Support internal committees and perform other responsibilities as directed by leadership.
What You Bring:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Two (2) years (≈4,000 hours) of paid experience providing direct care to large animals in a professional setting, such as an AZA-accredited zoo or wildlife facility, with experience working with large hoof stock or mammals.
- Strong foundation in animal care, including husbandry, behavioral observation, enrichment, recordkeeping, and animal introductions.
- Ability to lead protocols and initiatives, mentor junior staff, and collaborate effectively with team members.
- Demonstrated excellent safety record and ability to follow established protocols and regulatory standards (AZA, FWC, USDA, OSHA).
- Knowledge of live animal shipment protocols and habitat design principles.
- Strong observational, organizational, and record-keeping skills
- Engaging communication skills for guest interaction and team collaboration, with a focus on conservation and educational messaging.
- A typical schedule consists of (3) three days (9.5 hours) and (2) two half-days (5.75 hours) per week including weekends and holidays, with flexibility for occasional night shifts, events, or disaster recovery efforts.
- Ability to perform the physical demands of a 6–8 hour shift, including working outdoors in Florida weather, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to work a flexible training schedule for the first two weeks, which may include weekends, until training is complete.
- Availability to start no later than October 7, 2025. Limited exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- A Plus...
- Associate degree or coursework in related fields (e.g., biology, animal science, zoology) is encouraged as a foundation for growth.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related life science and/or advanced degrees, certifications, or specialized training in mammal care or wildlife management.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to remain standing for extended periods.
- Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium.
- Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for grasping, turning, and manipulating objects of varying size and weight.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach.
- Visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, and auditory acuity for communication.
- Ability to operate motorized carts, trucks, and power tools.
WORK CONDITIONS
- Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, snow, and wind.
- Regular work on weekends and holidays with irregular work hours sometimes required.
- Exposure to hazards such as wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.
- Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), pathogens, and injuries from animals.
- Periodic work in small, enclosed areas.
- We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations
- EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Salary
- 19.17 per hour
