Animal Keeper, Part Time

Jobtailor; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Orlando Science Center is seeking an Animal Care Specialist to manage daily care of the LIFE exhibit, perform habitat maintenance, enrichment, and training for the living collection.

You will present keeper talks to guests, lead public programs, monitor animal health, maintain records in ZIMS, assist with events, and help care for aquatic systems and volunteers.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Equivalent of 2 years of experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, park or similar facility, including animal husbandry and public programming.
• Willingness to obtain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Comfortable around water and in public-facing roles.
• TB screening and required vaccinations as specified.
• Experience with multiple taxa is preferred.
• Knowledge of USDA, FWC and AZA standards is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is preferred.
• Experience speaking to large diverse audiences is preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 80 pounds and navigate wet/slippery surfaces.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for the animal collection within all areas of the LIFE exhibit
• Conduct husbandry, enrichment, and training sessions
• Perform conservation-based keeper talks with hands-on live animal interactions for Orlando Science Center guests
• Prepare and feed daily rations of frozen, fresh, and dry commercial foods
• Maintain exhibit aesthetics through regular habitat and exhibit cleaning
• Present public programs with and without live animals to diverse groups using a microphone
• Participate in departmental and special events at the science center and off property
• Represent the Orlando Science Center professionally with guests and staff
• Perform opening and closing duties for the LIFE exhibit
• Monitor animal health and welfare and report concerns to the Animal Care Manager
• Administer routine medical care to the living collection
• Maintain aquatic habitats and life support systems
• Maintain animal records using ZIMS and daily logs
• Train youth and adult volunteers and interns
• Act as part of a ride-out crew during severe weather to ensure animal health and safety and assist with facility support
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills

Animal Care

Public Speaking

Public Programming

ZIMS Record Keeping

Training Sessions

Habitat Maintenance

Food Preparation

Education

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Tuberculosis Screening

Vaccination Requirements

Tools

Microsoft Office

Life Support Systems

Job description

• Provide daily care for the animal collection within all areas of the LIFE exhibit
• Conduct husbandry, enrichment, and training sessions
• Perform conservation-based keeper talks with hands-on live animal interactions for Orlando Science Center guests
• Prepare and feed daily rations of frozen, fresh, and dry commercial foods
• Maintain exhibit aesthetics through regular habitat and exhibit cleaning
• Present public programs with and without live animals to diverse groups using a microphone
• Participate in departmental and special events at the science center and off property
• Represent the Orlando Science Center professionally with guests and staff
• Perform opening and closing duties for the LIFE exhibit
• Monitor animal health and welfare and report concerns to the Animal Care Manager
• Administer routine medical care to the living collection
• Maintain aquatic habitats and life support systems
• Maintain animal records using ZIMS and daily logs
• Train youth and adult volunteers and interns
• Act as part of a ride-out crew during severe weather to ensure animal health and safety and assist with facility support
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Equivalent of 2 years of experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, park or similar facility, including animal husbandry and public programming
• Willingness to obtain provided CPR and First Aid certification
• Comfortable and willing to work in and around water
• Proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) screening within six months prior to employment and annually thereafter
• Willingness to maintain necessary vaccinations as required, including rabies
• Experience with a variety of taxa preferred
• Knowledge of USDA, FWC and AZA standards and requirements preferred
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office software preferred
• Experience speaking in front of large, diverse audiences preferred
• Ability to remain in a stationary position, move throughout the museum, and ascend/descend stairs and ladders
• Ability to manipulate and move components weighing up to 80 pounds
• Comfort working on slippery, wet, and uneven surfaces
• Minimum availability of 3 days per week
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and after hour events as needed

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in animal husbandry, conservation practices, and public programming, with a strong focus on animal health and welfare. Proficient in maintaining habitats and engaging diverse audiences through educational presentations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Animal Husbandry
• Public Programming
• ZIMS Record Keeping
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Knowledge of USDA, FWC and AZA Standards

Hard Skills

• Animal Care
• Habitat Maintenance
• Conservation Practices
• Training Sessions
• Medical Care Administration
• Food Preparation
• Record Keeping
• Weight Manipulation
• Public Speaking
• Volunteer Training

Soft Skills

• Professional Representation
• Team Collaboration
• Communication Skills
• Adaptability
• Customer Service

Certifications & Qualifications

• CPR Certification
• First Aid Certification
• Tuberculosis Screening
• Vaccination Requirements

Industry Keywords

• Zoo
• Aquarium
• Museum
• Animal Welfare
• Conservation
• Public Engagement
• Diverse Audiences
• Animal Training
• Exhibit Cleaning
• Volunteer Management

Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office
• Life Support Systems