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Form of workAnimal Care Professional -- Aviary (Full-Time)
ZooTampa is looking to hire a full time Animal Care Professional to join our Aviary team! The Aviary department houses over 500 birds covering approximately 141 species including the African Penguin, the Great Indian Hornbill, and the Shoebill. In this position you will be responsible for the daily care and feeding of assigned animals, maintenance of animal exhibits and night-houses, behavioral observations, record keeping, animal enrichment and training, assisting veterinary staff, and public presentations.
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
- General husbandry and care of assigned animals and exhibit areas
- Observation and record taking of behaviors to monitor health of animals with a focus on appropriate appetite, mobility, and waste production
- Basic capture, restraint, shifting, and handling techniques
- Engage with guests at exhibits, conservation stations, keeper talks, training demonstrations, shows, and promote active engagement through during both formal and informal discussions
- Inspect, clean, and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas
- Assist in procedures such as translocations, veterinary procedures, and crating
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and ability to maintain, train and troubleshoot complex animal behavior
- Propose and perform species-specific enrichment
What do you need?
- 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
- Knowledge of husbandry requirements, prevention of zoonotic diseases, and basic nutrition requirements for assigned areas
- Ability to appropriately apply animal training through the use of operant and classical conditioning
- SCUBA certification preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), radio, telephone
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, self-motivation, positive attitude, adaptability, and flexibility to multi-task
- Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors, and guests
- Ability to respond quickly during animal emergencies, maintain discretion with confidential information
- Ability to follow specific instructions and be comfortable self-directing
- Ability to think ahead and logically, plan, identify, and correct operational problems quickly
- Ability to work sitting, bending, standing, walking, lifting up to 50 pounds in typical Florida weather
- Ability to work long hours including nights, weekends, and special events
- Comply with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare
Our Perks at ZooTampa
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Competitive PTO plan (Vacation and sick time)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Forgiveness
- 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!
Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace
