Animal Care Associate - Animal Ambassadors (Full-Time)

ZooTampa; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO (Vacation and Wellness Time)

Paid Holidays

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Free zoo membership

Job summary

ZooTampa is seeking a dedicated Animal Care Associate - Animal Ambassadors to join our full-time team. The role involves daily care, feeding and enrichment of diverse species, plus engaging with guests during demonstrations and talks.

You will help maintain exhibits, support veterinary staff, and uphold safety and welfare standards in a dynamic zoo environment. Ideal candidates bring a high school diploma or GED, some hands-on animal care experience, and comfort with public speaking.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; advanced degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 1–3 months related experience or training (or equivalent).
• SCUBA and First-Aid Certification for specific areas.
• Basic animal training through operant conditioning.
• Strong speaking skills on and off microphone for large groups and/or media.
• Basic knowledge of zoonotic diseases and husbandry requirements.

Responsibilities

• Care for assigned animals, including preparing and distributing approved diets.
• Observe and record animal health indicators and behaviors.
• Engage with guests during exhibits, talks, and demonstrations.
• Maintain daily records and assist veterinary staff as needed.
• Assist with safety procedures and SOPs; respond to emergencies.

Skills

Animal care

Operant conditioning

Public speaking

Husbandry basics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Advanced degree in Zoology/Biology (preferred)

Job description

Location: Tampa, FL

Job Id:2614

# of Openings:1

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa is looking for a full-time Animal Care Associate - Animal Ambassadors.

• 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?

The Animal Ambassador team at Zoo Tampa is a group of energetic individuals caring for a variety of animals such as parrots, serval and clouded leopards, bird of prey, reptiles, and other small mammals. Our team and the Animal Ambassadors offer unique, immersive experiences for our guests including animal mingles, presentations, themed shows and media appearances. We promote positive reinforcement, choice-based training and focus on relationship building with all of our animals. We are looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about inspiring others to develop a greater appreciation of animals in the wild and can support the Zoo’s mission and goals.

Duties include, but are not limited to, daily care and feeding of assigned animals in collection, maintenance of animal exhibits and night-houses,

behavioral observations, record keeping, animal enrichment and training, assisting veterinary staff, operation of utility vehicles, 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 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):

• General husbandry and care of assigned animals, including preparing and distributing approved animal diets
• 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 of any concerns
• Develop a stronger understanding of Operant Conditioning and behavior modification through staff development and hands on application.
• Shift animals according to area’s standard operating procedures (SOP)
• Basic animal capture, restraint and handling techniques.
• Engage with Zoo guests at exhibits, conservation stations, keeper talks, training demonstrations, and/or shows.
• Strong stage presence and comfortability on microphone in front of large crowds.
• Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals
• Strong knowledge of zoo layout and general animal collection to respond quickly during animal emergencies and also assist guests on a daily basis with exhibit location
• Adherence to area’s standard operating procedures (SOP)
• Knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns, and reporting protocols
• Assist registrar in area’s record keeping
• Inspect, clean, and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas
• Species-specific enrichment and guest engagement as assigned.
• Actively seek opportunities to participate in guest engagement through interaction with guests during both formal and informal discussions, during events, and as otherwise assigned
• Report animal illness, maintenance, safety, horticulture, or other needs to appropriate staff
• Observe safety policies and procedures in regard to the use of zoo equipment, materials, chemicals, and vehicles
• Respond to emergency situations (e.g., Code I, II, III) within the Zoo.
• Other duties as assigned.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications and Experience:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required; advanced degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field of study preferred.
• Minimum of one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• SCUBA and First-Aid Certification for specific areas.
• Basic animal training through the use operant conditioning.
• Strong speaking skills on and off microphone for large groups and/or media.
• Basic knowledge of zoonotic diseases.
• Basic knowledge of husbandry requirements.
• Knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software.
• Must have good written and oral communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated and goal oriented.

Our Perks at ZooTampa:

• Generous PTO (Vacation and Wellness Time)
• Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Supplemental insurance options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free membership to the Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children's Museum and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Discounted gym membership
• And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace