What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Professional – LSS and Aquatics (Full-Time-Temporary) position at ZooTampa at Lowry Park?
Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is now hiring a Full Time Temporary (Animal Care Professional for Life Support Systems and Aquatics.
- 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 interviewing for this critical position soon.
Position SummaryResponsible for the daily husbandry of animals in the aquatic collection, the acquisition, transport, and care of aquatic specimens, maintenance of life support systems, and maintaining proper water quality. Works closely with Animal Department management to carry out the functions and duties of the Animal Department. Responsible for ensuring Association of Zoo & Aquariums (AZA) accreditation as it relates to functional areas of responsibility.
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)
- Responsible for proper and safe use and maintenance of all equipment and tools. Secures and monitors equipment and tools to ensure that only trained or certified employees have access for use. Maintains safe equipment use and ensures proper PPE use within the department. Instills the importance of safe use of equipment to and tools to subordinates on a daily basis.
- Establishes and maintains efficient work routines in all areas of responsibility that meet or exceed industry standards and regulatory agency requirements.
- Inspects assigned areas of responsibility daily at beginning and end of shift and reports animal illnesses, abnormal behavior and unsafe conditions promptly to appropriate Animal Department staff (including the staff Veterinarian).
- Keeps detailed, accurate records of all animals within assigned areas. Generates written and verbal reports as needed. Under the direction of the Directors, Curators, and/or Associate Curators, writes articles for publication.
- Works with Animal Department management to support successful selective breeding of animal collection.
- Assists in exhibit planning, construction and supervision of construction relating to assigned areas of concern.
- Inspects Zoo grounds and animal housing facilities daily for cleanliness and safety and checks animal habitats and enclosures for security and other conditions.
- Assists in relocating animals as instructed; patrols Zoo areas to enforce Zoo rules and regulations; stops mistreatment of animals and destruction of Zoo property; and answers questions of Zoo visitors in a courteous and pleasant manner.
- Checks animals showing signs of illness, peculiarities in appearance, gait or motion and reports to Directors, Curators, and/or Associate Curators for action; administers prescribed dosages of vitamins and medications when necessary; performs minor first aid and assists Vet Technician, Director, Curator, Associate Curator and/or Veterinarian in treating Zoo animals; moves, loads and unloads animals as required; drives vehicles to pick-up and deliver supplies and animals.
- Conducts guided tours as required.
- Actively seek opportunities to participate in guest engagement through interaction with guests during both formal and informal discussions, during events, and as otherwise assigned
- Respond to and assist manager in guiding the resolution of emergency situations (e.g., Code 1, 2, 3) within the Zoo.
- Observe safety policies and procedures in regard to the use of Zoo equipment, materials, chemicals and vehicles.
- Coordinate activities between departments (photo shoots, etc.).
- Requires demonstrated willingness and ability to perform additional responsibilities or assigned roles in designated area(s) or in support of the Zoo as whole.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
What are we looking for?
Qualifications and Experience
- A Bachelor or Associate degree in biology, vertebrate zoology, the natural science or related field or equivalent specialized training is required
- A minimum of five years of working experience in an AZA accredited zoological setting preferred.
- Working knowledge of the behaviors, diets, breeding habits and custodial care of a variety of native, exotic and domestic animals.
- Understanding of how animal behavior shapes management and health plans for a variety of aquatic species. Ability to appropriately apply animal training through the use of operant and classical conditioning.
- Working knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
- Working knowledge of specific animals’ custodial and feeding requirements and regulatory and industry standards of care.
- Working knowledge of minor maintenance skills.
- Employee must be able to effectively interact with all audiences.
- Skills in team building and personnel management, emphasizing leadership.
- SCUBA Certified required.
- AALSO LSS level 2 preferred.
- AALSO Water Quality level 1 preferred
- 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.
- Thorough knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention.
- Advanced knowledge of husbandry requirements.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with members of all departments 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 even under difficult circumstances.
- Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public, peers and management.
- Capacity to anticipate, 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 weekend, to support special events and the needs of the collection.
Our Perks at ZooTampa
- Employee Assistance Program
- Free gym membership
- Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
- Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
- And so much more!
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