Educational Aide, Teaching Zoo Project Assistant

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida, is looking for a Project Assistant for the Teaching Zoo. Responsibilities include habitat maintenance, assisting with animal care, and operating power tools. The ideal candidate must be a current student in the Zoo Animal Technology program with some knowledge of the zoo's animal collection. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and a commitment to ethical standards are essential. This is a hands-on role within a unique educational environment.

Qualifications

• Must be a currently enrolled Santa Fe College student in the Zoo Animal Technology program and in good academic standing.
• Some knowledge of the SF Teaching Zoo’s animal collection is required.
• A criminal background check will be conducted.

Responsibilities

• Assist curators with habitat repair and maintenance.
• Operate power tools safely and effectively.
• Perform landscaping duties.
• Assist with veterinary needs of the animals.
• Support pest control operations on zoo grounds.
• Deliver professional interaction with all Zoo Animal Technology students and staff.

Skills

Ability to work successfully in a multi‑cultural environment

Adaptability to change

Effective communication

Critical thinking & judgement

Demonstrate integrity & professionalism

Organization & time management

Problem solving

Relationship management

Results orientation

Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Education

Currently enrolled in Santa Fe College Zoo Animal Technology program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Santa Fe College (SF) Teaching Zoo, a unique 10‑acre zoo in Gainesville, Florida, is the only zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The zoo showcases a diverse collection that contains both native and exotic species for everyone to enjoy. Visitors enjoy the Bald Eagles, White‑throated capuchin monkeys, American alligators, Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo and Asian small‑clawed otters, among many other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians on display in a naturally shaded environment. The 1/4‑mile trail through the wooded environment is lined with mulch and is stroller and/or wheelchair accessible.

As a Project Assistant, you will play a role in assisting the Zoo staff. This support includes helping to maintain habitats, keeping up Zoo grounds, and assisting with various other projects. The successful candidates will be self‑motivated, excellent team players, and must be currently enrolled SF students in the Zoo Animal Technology program.

Responsibilities and Duties Include:

• Assists curators with habitat repair and maintenance as well as construction and demolition.
• Operates power tools in a safe and effective manner, including power drills and saws after proper training is completed.
• Performs landscaping duties that can include mowing, trimming, weeding, and planting.
• Assists curators with veterinary needs, including capture and restraint of animal collection, giving medications, and animal transport.
• Assists with pest control operations on zoo grounds, such as replacing rodent blocks in bait boxes.
• Works in a professional manner with all Zoo Animal Technology students and staff.
• Complies with all published College Rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws/regulations governing public employees.
• Strictly honors the privacy, security, and confidentiality of student records and other sensitive information in accordance with state, federal, and college regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reports to: General Zoo Curator

Qualifications

Required: Must be a currently enrolled Santa Fe College student in the Zoo Animal Technology program, in good academic standing, taking six (6) or more credit hours. Some knowledge of the SF Teaching Zoo’s animal collection is a must.

Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted.

Preferred: Currently taking or have taken courses in animal welfare and/or experience in a Zoo environment.

General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work successfully in a multi‑cultural environment.
• Adaptability to change – able to be flexible and supportive, and to assimilate change in a rapid growth environment.
• Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner.
• Critical thinking & judgement – able to make well‑reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions based on careful, objective review and analysis.
• Ethics – able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job‑related actions.
• Organization & time management – able to plan, schedule, and organize tasks related to the job to achieve goals within or ahead of established time frames.
• Problem solving – proven skills in identifying issues, determining their cause, developing creative solutions, and following through with implementing resolutions.
• Relationship management – able to personally provide a high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs.
• Results orientation – proven ability to set and exceed established targets.
• Systems & software – proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs.
• Detail oriented – proven accuracy and attention to detail.
• Multi‑task – ability to expeditiously organize, coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

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. sfcollege.edu/eaeo

Inquiries regarding non‑discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to [e-mail]