Animal Care Professional - Animal Ambassadors (Full-Time)

ZooTampa at Lowry Park; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Animal Care Professional to join their dynamic Animal Ambassador team. This role involves caring for a diverse collection of ambassador animals, including clouded leopards and vibrant parrots, while engaging guests through interactive experiences and presentations. Ideal candidates will have a passion for animal behavior and conservation, with a strong emphasis on positive reinforcement training. This is a unique opportunity to inspire others and make a meaningful impact in wildlife conservation through unforgettable encounters. If you are motivated and ready to embrace the challenge, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Pet Insurance

Life Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Vacation Leave

Sick Leave

Employee Assistance Programs

Free Zoo Admission

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in an AZA-accredited institution.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Daily care and feeding of assigned animals.
• Engaging with guests during exhibits and shows.

Skills

Animal Behavior

Guest Engagement

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Zoonotic Disease Knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

AA Degree or Higher

Tools

SCUBA Certification

First-Aid Certification

Job description

Join to apply for the Animal Care Professional - Animal Ambassadors (Full-Time) role at ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

Do you dream of training clouded leopards, engaging guests with vibrant parrots, and creating unforgettable animal moments on stage and screen? Join ZooTampa’s Animal Ambassador team—a high-energy crew dedicated to the care and training of a diverse ambassador animal collection, including birds of prey, reptiles, and charismatic mammals. Our work goes beyond daily husbandry; we connect people with wildlife through interactive encounters, dynamic shows, and media appearances that inspire conservation action.

If you're passionate about animal behavior, guest education, and making a real impact in conservation through immersive storytelling and training, we want to hear from you! Apply now and become a key part of a team that’s redefining wildlife connections—one unforgettable encounter at a time.

The Animal Ambassador team at Zoo Tampa cares for animals such as parrots, clouded leopards, birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. We offer unique, immersive experiences including animal mingles, presentations, themed shows, and media appearances. We focus on positive reinforcement, choice-based training, and relationship building with animals. We seek motivated individuals passionate about inspiring others and supporting the Zoo’s mission.

Responsibilities include:

1. Daily care and feeding of assigned animals, including preparing and distributing diets.
2. Understanding operant conditioning and behavior modification, emphasizing positive reinforcement.
3. Shaping behaviors and troubleshooting challenging behaviors, including aggression.
4. Engaging with guests during exhibits, talks, and shows.
5. Maintaining detailed records and assisting with animal procedures.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED; AA degree or higher preferred.
• Three+ years of paid keeper experience in an AZA-accredited institution.
• SCUBA and First-Aid certifications for specific areas.
• Effective communication skills and guest engagement experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of zoonotic diseases, safety protocols, and animal husbandry.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform manual labor.
• Flexibility to work long hours, nights, and weekends.

Perks include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life Insurance, 403(b).
• Vacation, sick leave, and employee assistance programs.
• Tuition forgiveness, free gym membership, free zoo admission, and discounts.

Join us and help create unforgettable natural connections!