Manatee Stranding Animal Care Associate (Part-time)

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is looking for a part-time Manatee Stranding Animal Care Associate to join our team.

Who We Are

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern , 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!

Position Summary

Duties include, but are not limited to coordinating with Florida Wild Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Manatee Stranding Response Team to provide trained staff and equipment to support field based activities to include manatee rescues, transports, health assessments and post release monitoring.

In addition, provide support for ZooTampa’s Manatee Critical Care Center to include daily manatee care, assisting with manatee medical treatments and procedures, and community outreach as applicable .

Your day to day

Essential Functions (including but not limited to) :

• Assist FWC’s Manatee Stranding Response Team with manatee stranding as requested. This could include verification of strandings, water rescue support and manatee transport to a critical care facility.
• Collect and manage data according to FWC standards for manatee rehabilitation partnership.
• Assist with manatee releases and transports.
• Ability to operate and maintain rescue vehicle and field based equipment.
• Assist with manatee husbandry (including diving), health assessments, observations and medical treatments as needed to support the Zoo’s manatee team and hospital.
• Log hours and expenses for grant and program accounting.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Conservation and Learning for community outreach opportunities.
• Assist FWC with carcass recoveries / necropsies.
• Coordinate volunteer team for responses as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications and Experience :

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; College degree in biology or related science preferred.
• Minimum of one to three months related experience and / or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• SCUBA and First-Aid Certification.
• Basic knowledge of zoonotic diseases.
• 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.
• Flexible schedule is required.

Other Requirements :

• Conducts all activities in alignment with ZooTampa 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 (, 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.
• Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough terrain on foot and by vehicle.
• Must be comfortable on and around the water for long hours.
• 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.

Our Perks at ZooTampa :

• Pet insurance
• Retirement 403(b) plan
• 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