What are the responsibilities and job description for the Reptile Tours, Zoo Projects, Animal Care, Tours position at Croc Encounters?
Immediate Openings: Animal Keeper, Tour Guide & Maintenance Technician
Start Date: This Week or Next
Are you passionate about animals, especially reptiles? Do you have a strong work ethic, enjoy hands-on projects, and want to grow with a dynamic, expanding facility? Croc Encounters, located in Tampa, Florida, is seeking dedicated, long-term team members to fill immediate openings in two key roles:
1. Animal Keeper & Tour Guide
2. Projects & Maintenance Technician
These roles offer the unique opportunity to work closely with reptiles and other wildlife, provide engaging educational experiences, and assist in facility maintenance and improvement projects.
Position 1: Animal Keeper & Tour Guide
Primary Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
- Lead engaging, educational tours both onsite and at offsite events.
- Perform daily animal care duties: preparing food, feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, and monitoring animal health.
- Maintain facility grounds to ensure a clean, safe environment.
- Work closely with animals such as alligators, crocodiles, birds, and snakes.
- Collaborate effectively with team members and work independently when needed.
- Follow all safety protocols and operational guidelines.
- Cross-train and support other areas of the facility as required.
Position 2: Projects & Maintenance Technician
Primary Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
- Assist with ongoing construction projects and facility improvements.
- Perform maintenance tasks such as weed trimming, landscaping, repairing boardwalks, fences, and enclosures.
- Use hand tools including circular saws, drills, nail guns, post hole diggers, and measuring tapes.
- Complete projects involving wood/metal fencing, boardwalk construction and repairs, and concrete work.
- Follow rough sketches and verbal instructions to complete tasks accurately.
- Communicate effectively about project updates, issues, and changes via phone or text.
- Work in close proximity to alligators, crocodiles, birds, snakes, and other animals.
Qualifications & Requirements (For Both Positions):
- Passion for reptiles and wildlife with a strong interest in animal care and/or facility maintenance.
- Clean criminal background check required.
- Reliable transportation (SUV, truck, or van preferred).
- Professional appearance suitable for interacting with school groups, families, and the general public.
- Strong communication skills for reporting updates, issues, and plans.
- Strong work ethic: dependable, self-motivated, and capable of working independently or leading others.
- Ability to manage tasks efficiently without the need for constant supervision.
- Physically capable of working in various weather conditions (heat, rain, mosquitoes, poison ivy, etc.).
- Ability to lift and move heavy objects such as feed bags, concrete, or large animals.
- Attention to detail regarding the health of animals and the upkeep of enclosures and grounds.
- Flexibility and willingness to cross-train in areas such as animal care, maintenance, and facility operations.
- Basic experience with landscaping, plumbing, electrical, and general maintenance tasks.
Preferred Skills (Not Required, but a Plus):
- Construction experience (woodworking, fencing, concrete work)
- Mechanical skills (e.g., repairing pumps, motors)
- General knowledge of reptiles and animal husbandry
- Experience with power tools and equipment
How to Apply:
To be considered, please submit:
1. Your resume or an overview of your employment and education history.
2. A brief statement about yourself, highlighting your skills, experience, and why you’re interested in this role.
Applications without these materials will not be considered.
Important:
- Do NOT call or visit the facility regarding this position. Due to our busy schedule, candidates who do so will be automatically disqualified, as this demonstrates an inability to follow directions.
We look forward to learning more about you and potentially welcoming you to the Croc Encounters team!
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Expected hours: 30 – 50 per week
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Holidays
- Overtime
- Weekends as needed
Ability to Commute:
- Tampa, FL 33637 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Tampa, FL 33637: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person