Educational Aide, Teaching Zoo Project Assistant

Santa Fe College; United States; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Santa Fe College’s Teaching Zoo in Gainesville seeks a Project Assistant who will support zoo operations, habitat maintenance, and various projects. The role involves assisting curators, performing hands‑on maintenance, and helping with animal care activities under supervision.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in the Zoo Animal Technology program, possess basic animal welfare knowledge, and are ready to work in a dynamic campus zoo environment. This is a part‑time position with potential for growth.

Qualifications

• Must be a currently enrolled Santa Fe College student in the Zoo Animal Technology program in good academic standing.
• Knowledge of SF Teaching Zoo’s animal collection is preferred.
• A criminal background check will be conducted.
• Current or prior coursework in animal welfare or zoo experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists curators with habitat repair and maintenance and with construction/demolition.
• Operates power tools safely under supervision and training.
• Performs landscaping tasks such as mowing, trimming, weeding, and planting.
• Assists with veterinary needs including capture, restraint, medications, and transport.
• Supports pest control operations and general zoo upkeep.

Skills

Multitasking

Detail oriented

Communication

Organization

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

Zoo Animal Technology program enrollment

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 to name a few. These species and many other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are 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.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Assists curators with habitat repair and maintenance as well as construction and demolition.
• Operates power tools in a safe and effective manner with oversight from Zoo staff which includes power drills and saws after proper training is completed.
• 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 with oversight from Zoo staff which includes replacing rodent blocks in bait boxes.
• Work in a professional manor with all Zoo Animal Technology students and staff.
• Complies with all published College Rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws/regulations governing public employees, including but not limited to those related to document retention and destruction, FERPA, and confidentiality.
• Strictly honors the privacy, security, and confidentiality of student records and other sensitive information according to appropriate 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

• 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.
• A criminal background check will be conducted.
• Currently taking or have taken courses in animal welfare and/or experience in a Zoo environment (Preferred).

General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work successfully in a multi‑cultural environment.
• Adaptability to Change – able to be flexible and supportive, able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment.
• Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.
• Critical Thinking & Judgement - able to make well‑reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions based on careful, objective review and informed analysis of available information, considerations, and other factors.
• 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 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 level of 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 to swiftly assess a situation, determine a logical course of action, and apply the appropriate response.

Additional Information

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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: their 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] Santa Fe College reserves the right to extend deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions. Preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans.