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

ZooTampa at Lowry Park • Full-time • Tampa, Florida, United States • USD $37.69k - USD $57.33k / year • 1w ago

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is looking for a Temporary (full time hours) Animal Care Associate 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 1.2 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.
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 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 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
Discounted gym membership
Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children's Museum, and the Florida Aquarium
Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace