Joining the Wonder Gardens team provides the opportunity to work with one of Southwest Florida’s favorite attractions. Performing daily husbandry, diet preparation, and training, the Zookeeper I is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of animal care and must demonstrate integrity, self accountability, and self-development.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associates or bachelor’s degree zoology, biology, or equivalent
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a zoo, botanical, museum, or environmental organization
- Knowledge regarding all types of reptiles, birds, mammals
- General knowledge of accreditation standards for animal care from AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums)
- Able to manage multiple projects, handle interruptions and shifting priorities, maintain focus on tasks, and pay meticulous attention to detail
- Self-motivated with excellent time management skills and accuracy
- Strong written and verbal communication and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and the public
- Able to work independently and as a team member, and assume new responsibilities as determined
- Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the Wonder Gardens
- Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in public speaking and guest interaction
- Ability to handle confidential information in a professional and discrete manner
- Have consistent and reliable transportation to and from work
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any company
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays
- Must be able to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds, work on un-even and slippery surfaces, withstand temperatures of hot and cold, and sit/stand for extended periods of time when necessary
- Must be able to think creatively and demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills free from errors
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Contribute to a positive work environment and team dynamic
- Assists with the supervision and training of animal care interns and volunteers
- Performs daily husbandry and assists with the management, health, diets, enrichment, and behavioral conditioning of all animals
- Knowledge of husbandry requirements and the prevention of zoonotic diseases
- Assists in the overseeing and the evaluation of new wildlife, quarantine, preparedness of new housing and introduction to new habitat
- Perform species-specific enrichment
- Assists in the maintaining of records of collections and veterinary history
- Engage with guests through scheduled encounters, educational programming, and media events
- Close observation of animal behaviors with a particular focus on appropriate appetite, mobility, and waste production to monitor health of animals, notification of appropriate animal care staff with any concerns
- Provides necessary veterinarian treatment of wildlife when needed
- Must be prepared to assist with emergencies to ensure animal well-being.
- Help with improving current exhibits as directed by the Director of Living Collections
- Available to attend special events as needed including and not limited to evenings and weekends
- Able to be on call in the event of emergency weather situations (i.e., hurricanes, tropical storms, severe thunderstorms, etc.)
- Provide information in a timely and accurate manner, including prompt follow-up communications
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- ZooKeeper: 1 year (Preferred)
- Animal care: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
