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

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is looking for a full time 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

The Animal Care Associate is responsible for the daily care and feeding of assigned animals, habitat and night-house maintenance, behavioral observations, record keeping, enrichment, training, assistance with veterinary procedures, operation of utility vehicles, guest interactions and encounters.

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 preparation and distribution of 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).
• Basic animal capture, restraint and handling techniques.
• Engage with Zoo guests at habitats, encounters, chats, training demonstrations, and/or shows.
• Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals.
• Strong knowledge of zoo layout and general animal collection to respond quickly during animal emergencies and assist guests daily with habitat location.
• Adherence to area's standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns, and reporting protocols.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas.
• Species-specific enrichment and guest engagement as 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.
• Maintain cleanliness of both habitats and back of house areas.
• Respond to emergency situations (e.g., Code I, II, III) within the Zoo.
• Observe safety policies and procedures in regards to the use of Zoo equipment, materials, chemicals, and vehicles.
• Other duties as assigned.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; advanced degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field of study preferred.
• Minimum of one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• SCUBA and First-Aid Certification required for aquatics and manatee teams.
• Basic animal training through the use of operant and classical conditioning, with an emphasis on understanding the principles of behavior modification to effectively shape and reinforce desired behaviors.
• Understanding of zoonotic diseases and animal husbandry standards
• Knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software.
• Must have good written and oral communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated and goal-oriented.
• Must be able to maintain discretion with confidential information.
• Ability to develop 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 complete 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 within assigned parameters.
• Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.

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.
• Attend and complete all required employee traininngs.

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