Adjunct Assistant Professor, Zoo Animal Technology

LM Wind Power / GE; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 41,328 - 68,880; Part time

Job summary

LM Wind Power / GE is seeking a part-time Adjunct Assistant for the Zoo Animal Technology Program at Santa Fe College. In this role, you will instruct and evaluate students in a variety of zookeeping skills including animal care and management.

The ideal candidate will hold an Associate’s degree in Zoo Animal Technology or a related field, possess strong communication skills, and be dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in relevant field.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Train students on specific zookeeping skills.
• Supervise and evaluate zookeeping competencies.
• Deliver zoological instruction in various settings.
• Collaborate to evaluate and develop curriculum.
• Provide timely assessment and feedback to students.
• Maintain accurate records and honor student confidentiality.

Skills

Customer service

Effective communication

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Associate’s degree in Zoo Animal Technology

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Wildlife Ecology, or Animal Management

Job description

Overview

Each part‑time faculty member reports to a chair or director, satisfies accreditation criteria, possesses subject‑matter expertise, and has the following instructional and institutional responsibilities:

• Designing courses, delivering instruction, evaluating student learning, and incorporating college‑required technology.
• Possessing subject‑matter expertise and engaging in ongoing professional development.
• Maintaining effective communication within the College and the department or program.

Program Overview

The Zoo Animal Technology Program at Santa Fe College is the premier zookeeper‑training program in the United States. The program educates students in animal care and conservation and trains them in the responsibilities associated with working in a zoological facility through classroom instruction and practical, real‑world experience. The SF Teaching Zoo, a 10‑acre facility set in a naturally wooded environment, is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and provides a home to a diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, enabling students to experience hands‑on all aspects of zoo animal care.

Teaching Assignment

Under general supervision, the Adjunct Assistant develops, prepares, and teaches a variety of specialized zoological concepts, including Introduction to Zoos and Aquariums, Basic Zookeeper Technology and Lab, Animal Management1–4, Zoo Topics, Herbal Culture, Aviculture, Mammal Culture, Aquarium Culture, Animal Nutrition, and Animal Breeding. Adjunct Faculty are employed on a term‑by‑term basis and may be assigned teaching duties at SF’s main Northwest campus or at any of the College’s six educational centers.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Train students on specific zookeeping skills such as cleaning, sanitation, animal restraint and handling, diet preparation and feeding, animal behavior and observation, operant conditioning, safe zoo practices, and guest interactions.
• Direct, supervise, and evaluate the zookeeping skills and competencies of students within the SF Teaching Zoo.
• Plan, organize, and deliver zoological instruction in didactic, laboratory, and/or classroom settings to promote student success within a community‑college environment.
• Support and promote the college and departmental missions centered on excellence in teaching and learning through quality instruction, curriculum enhancement, and service.
• Collaborate with department chair, faculty, and peers to evaluate, revise, and develop curriculum to cultivate mastery of course content.
• Provide students with frequent, timely assessment and clear feedback regarding academic performance.
• Appropriately document student progress and maintain accurate records such as attendance, grading, and achievement of student learning outcomes.
• Honor student confidentiality and privacy as per appropriate laws, regulations, and college rules.
• Proctor exams and participate in departmental meetings, college task forces, and/or committees as necessary.
• Maintain appropriate office hours proportionate to the instructional assignment.
• Provide service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• An Associate’s degree in Zoo Animal Technology or a Bachelor’s degree in any of the qualifying fields of Zoology, Wildlife Ecology, and/or Animal Management.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check.

Preferred Experience

• At least two years of professional experience within a zoological field.
• Relevant teaching experience within a community‑college setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Adjunct Assistant must have the ability to deliver a high level of interactive customer service, develop and maintain collaborative relationships throughout the organization, communicate effectively, and possess proficient computer skills, including familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite. The successful applicant must be willing to work a flexible schedule at multiple sites and demonstrate the ability to work well with students, faculty, and staff at all levels within a diverse, multicultural, collaborative environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. For more information, visit sfcollege.edu/eaeo. For concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment or sexual violence, under Title IX, please contact [e-mail].