Zoological Specialist

Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!

What you get to do:

As a Zoological Specialist, you’ll:

• Work in a team environment and interact with others in a professional manner.
• Train & maintain behaviors in both protected & free contact environments.
• Actively participates in the progression of animal training goals and standards.
• Develops behavior to facilitate public programs & management.
• Assist with the development and implementation of dynamic animal training projects and programs that serve to enhance animal care, animal management, & guest experience.
• Perform primary & secondary speaking roles in daily presentations, educational tours, & large-scale special event shows.
• Must be comfortable speaking to both large & small audiences. Public speaking is required.
• Provide physical stimulation and mental challenges for our animals as a member of our elite team of professionals.
• Provide for animals’ best welfare with attention to animal behavior and training, habitat upkeep, cleaning, and nutrition.
• Ensure excellent guest experience by interacting with guests and participating in guest- focused presentations.
• Daily cleaning and maintenance of animal habitats and state-of-the-art husbandry facilities
• Animal Care and welfare of a variety of species including large and potentially dangerous animals.
• Husbandry training for animal management program procedures and working side by side with the staff vet team when needed.
• Daily record keeping including ability to learn our new electronic record keeping program (TRACKS).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What it takes to succeed:

• A positive, team-minded attitude and desire to give/receive constructive criticism.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) allowing for efficient communication with teammates and management.
• Excellent observational skills.
• A strong work ethic with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities appropriately.
• The flexibility required to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• The desire to promote conservation messages to a varied audience.
• A fluent understanding of fundamental & advanced concepts of positive reinforcement driven animal training principles.
• Ability to successfully apply fundamental & advanced positive reinforcement driven principles in a fast-paced environment.

What else is important:

• At least 18 years of age
• College degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field preferred
• Experience and skill in operant conditioning using positive reinforcement techniques preferred.
• Robust communication skills to include public speaking and guest relations, as well as efficient communication with team members.
• Previous public speaking experience in demonstrations or presentations preferred.
• Hard-working, decisive, and able to handle multiple responsibilities.
• Team-oriented and flexible, with a positive attitude and the ability and desire to work in a dynamic, stimulating environment.
• Self-disciplined, self-reliant, and able to follow all safety guidelines.
• Able to operate light and possibly heavy equipment including tractors, skid-steers, mowers, weed eaters, and other landscape equipment.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with ambassadors and guests.
• Able to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and climb/ascend heights if needed.
• Able to work indoors and outdoors, in varying Florida weather, to include extreme heat. Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors, and cold/heat temperature extremes.
• Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing).
• Perform all cleaning duties, including use of cleaning chemicals.
• Flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities.
• Able to work at least 40 hours a week, and with a flexible schedule to include evenings, weekends and holidays and occasional overnights.
• Must attach resume to be considered for this role.
• The level of the keeper position will be determined based on the experience and skill of the successful candidate: Associate, Specialist, Senior, or Senior 1.

Additional responsibilities depending on the level:

• Demonstrate the understanding of company SOPs and the responsibilities of being onsite during emergency situations.
• Participate as requested in animal outreach presentations including school visits, animal appearances in various media and stage presentations.
• Maintain current behaviors for all applicable animals, train new behaviors to completion under minimal supervision.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to Ambassadors as assigned.
• Contribute to the review process for Ambassadors under their mentorship.
• Deliver department seminars*· Other duties as assigned.

The perks of the position:

• Paid Time Off
• Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
• Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K Retirement plan
• Voluntary Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:

• SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
• ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE,
• RACE,
• COLOR,
• RELIGION,
• SEX,
• NATIONAL ORIGIN,
• SEXUAL ORIENTATION,
• PREGNANCY,
• GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION,
• DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.