Animal Care Associate - (Part-Time)

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is looking for a (part-time) Animal Care Associate.

• 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 are scheduling interviews soon.

Position Summary

Under direction of the Sr. Manager of Animal Dept. Operations, this position is responsible for facilitating in-park interpretive experience with an emphasis on Manatee programming and assists in all aspects of the Animal Department Nutrition Center.

Who We Are

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 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)

• Interacts with Zoo guests by answering questions, providing directions, and delivering conservation messages regarding ZooTampa's manatee program.

• Ensures a high level of service and positive experience for guests.

• Keeps and documents accurate guest counts.

• Rotates between Manatee interpretive programming and Nutrition Center roles throughout the day.

• Prepares animal diets as instructed by Sr. Manager of Animal Dept. Operations and Veterinarians and delivers diets to animal areas as needed.

• Maintains standards and safety according to OSHA, USDA, AZA and the Health Department.

• Follows departmental safety procedures and understand Nutrition Center's role in emergency procedures.

• Rotate supply inventories according to the FIFO method.

• Assists with school tours and VIP visitors who enter Nutrition Center areas.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications and Experience

• High School degree or equivalency required.

• Demonstrated experience in food preparation, nutrition, and record keeping preferred.

• One year of paid zoo experience at an AZA accredited facility is preferred.

• Must be able to work well with minimal supervision.

• Must have good communication skills and be able to follow written and verbal instructions.

• Must be able to follow daily routines as assigned.

• Must be able to maintain work areas in a clean and organized fashion at all times.

• Must be able to communicate ideas and contribute effectively to the department.

• Must be multi-task oriented and work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.

• Be clean, well-groomed and always dressed in a proper uniform.

• Work cohesively with co-workers, vendors, and management.

• Deal with conflicts in a professional manner.

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.

• Must be able to bend, lift 50 lbs, and stand for extended periods of time.

• Ability to work in weather conditions typical to Florida, temperatures sometimes exceeding 90 degrees.

• Ability to master and then deliver conservation messaging and in-park interpretive in a fun and engaging manner with high degree of accuracy.

• Excellent oral communication skills, including ability to speak and present well in front of crowds for extended periods of time, and maintain control of large groups.

• Ability to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Our Perks at ZooTampa

• Pet insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Free gym membership

• Free membership to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium

• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida

• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise

• And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace