Zoological Specialist

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Floating Holidays

Accrual-based Paid Time Off

SEA Employee Tickets and Passes

Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401K plan

Life Insurance

Disability Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Legal Assistance Plan

Job summary

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment seeks a Zoological Specialist for Busch Gardens operations in Tampa. You will provide care and training for diverse species, engage guests with public speaking, and uphold safety protocols across multiple zoological areas.

The role emphasizes animal welfare, conservation education, and collaboration with veterinary teams, with a career path through multiple specialist levels and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving guidelines.
• Excellent observational skills and strong work ethic.
• Flexible in a fast-paced outdoor environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks.

Responsibilities

• Learn and demonstrate training and handling protocols.
• Follow safety and operating procedures for assigned area.
• Engage with guests to provide a positive experience and public speaking opportunities.
• Maintain animal habitats and conduct daily cleaning and upkeep.
• Create enrichment and assist with training projects to enhance care and guest experience.
• Support conservation breeding programs as applicable.
• Mentor other staff and participate in outreach and demonstrations.

Skills

Public speaking

Team player

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Driving license

Education

Zoo/biology related degree

Job description

Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!

Position Summary

The Zoological Specialist is responsible for providing consistent care and training to a wide variety of species. The successful applicant must be team-oriented with a positive, supportive attitude. The Zoological Specialist promotes conservation through exceptional animal care, alongside a strong work ethic, positive guest interactions, and a professional approach. With four levels of Zoological Specialists at Busch Gardens, successful applicant’s placement and primary purpose will be based on experience and skill.

Hires may be selected for one of the following zoological areas:

• Veldt (hoofstock, rhinos, avian species)
• Birds West (avian species, kangaroos, wallabies)
• Birds East (penguins, reptiles)
• Jungala (orangutans, tigers)
• Edge of Africa (lions, hyenas, hippos)
• Cheetah (cheetahs)
• Myombe (chimpanzees, gorillas)
• Animal Connections (ambassador animals)
• Pantopia/Wild Oasis (presentation animals, capybara, giant anteater, squirrel monkeys, birds)
• Outback (houses animals from around the park as needed for medical or breeding purposes)
• Elephant (elephants)

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Learn and demonstrate required training and handling protocols for applicable animals in protected and/or free contact environments.
• Follow all husbandry, training, and safety protocols for specified zoological area(s) including all necessary standard operating procedures and emergency response procedures.
• Ensure excellent guest experience by engaging in all aspects of guest interaction programs both on and off property. Public speaking is required.
• Ensure a proactive approach to maintaining safe animal habitats and husbandry facilities, including the daily cleaning, maintenance, and landscaping according to standard operating procedures.
• Create and administer animal enrichment to enhance animal wellbeing and training goals.
• Understand fundamental concepts of positive reinforcement training, with a proactive approach and willingness to develop further at each specialist level.
• Assist with the development and implementation of dynamic animal training projects and programs that serve to enhance animal care, animal management, & guest experience.
• Enhance animal wellbeing with attention to nutrition, reproduction, habitat, and behavior.
• Support conservation breeding programs as applicable.
• Participating in husbandry training for animal management program procedures, working alongside the veterinary team as needed.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to discuss the natural history of the animals in assigned area(s).
• Assess and report animal health, behavior, and enrichment via the electronic record-keeping system TRACKS.
• Offer solution-minded and professional discussion for effective communication with team members and management.
• Mentor and develop Husbandry Assistants and Zoological Specialists as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities Depending On Level

• Participate as requested in animal outreach presentations, including school visits and animal appearances in various media and stage presentations.
• Understand advanced concepts of positive reinforcement training, maintain current behaviors for all applicable animals, and train new behaviors to completion under minimal supervision.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to park ambassadors as assigned.
• Contribute to the review process for park ambassadors under mentorship.
• Deliver department seminars and development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving guidelines.
• A positive, team-minded attitude and desire to grow in your career.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) allowing for efficient and professional communication with teammates and management.
• Excellent observational skills.
• A strong work ethic with an ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities appropriately and apply creative problem-solving skills as needed.
• The flexibility required to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• The desire to promote conservation messages to various audiences.
• Robust presentation and engagement skills to include public speaking and guest relations.
• Hard-working, decisive, and capable of handling multiple responsibilities.
• Self-disciplined, self-reliant, and able to follow all safety guidelines.
• Able to operate light and possibly heavy equipment including tractors, skid-steers, mowers, weed-eaters, trailers, and other equipment as needed.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding work environment in a variety of outdoor weather conditions (ex. dust, extreme heat, cold, rain).
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50lbs as needed in the specified area.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift, bend, climb, and squat as needed in the specified area.
• Ability to follow all standard operating procedures for the specified area.
• Ability to complete all provided SEA training as assigned.
• Flexibility in work locations/animal areas, as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities.
• Able to work at least 40 hours per week, with a flexible schedule to include mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnights.
• Must attach resume to be considered for this role.
• The Zoo Specialist level will be based on the experience and skill of the successful candidate: Associate, Specialist, Senior, or Senior I.
• Compensation Range - $15-$22 hour.

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree in Zoology, Biology, Psychology, or related field.
• Experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility.
• Experience and skill in operant conditioning using positive reinforcement techniques.
• A fluent understanding and ability to apply fundamental & advanced concepts of positive reinforcement driven animal training principles.
• Previous public speaking experience in demonstrations or presentations.
• Experience with Class I animals.
• SCUBA certification, with ability to complete annual physical swim competency review.

Perks Of The Position

• Paid Floating Holidays
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• SEA Employee Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
• SEA Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K plan
• Voluntary Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Assistance Plan

If you’re looking for the opportunity to make the most of your abilities in a one-of-a-kind setting with an entertainment industry leader, we’re looking for you!

Join the team.

EEO Employer

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.