Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace
Animal Care Associate/Professional -- Animal Ambassadors
Position Summary
Duties include, but are not limited to, daily care and feeding of assigned animals in collection, 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.
Current animal care staffing levels are Associate, Professional and Senior level. Qualifications and experience will determine whether candidates are hired at the entry level (Associate), mid (Professional) or Senior level.
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 exhibits, conservation stations, keeper talks, 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 also assist guests on a daily basis with exhibit 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.
- 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 vehicle.
- Other duties as assigned.
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.
Experience Required
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
SCUBA and First-Aid Certification for specific areas.
Basic animal training through the use operant conditioning.
Basic knowledge of zoonotic diseases.
Basic knowledge of husbandry requirements.
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.
How to Apply
Candidate should copy and paste the following link into their browser:
http://www.lowryparkzoo.org/about/careers?gnk=job&gni=8a78842b5cc92d4d015ccb54f10f5198&gns=AZA
Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
1101 W Sligh Ave
Tampa, FL 33604
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