Zoological Specialist, Associate (Part-Time)

Entertainment Places; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE park admission

Discounts on park admission tickets

Park discounts on food and merchandise

Scholarship opportunities

Exclusive employee events

Job summary

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment in Orlando is seeking enthusiastic Ambassadors to join our animal care team. You will assist with training sessions across zoological areas, perform daily husbandry tasks, prepare food, and maintain clean and safe habitats.

The role requires strong communication, comfort on stage, SCUBA certification, CPR training, and flexibility to work weekends and holidays. Level and compensation reflect zoological experience.

Qualifications

• Ability to demonstrate strong verbal communication skills and enthusiastically share a passion for animals and conservation with guests.
• Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people on stage during presentations.
• CPR training/certification is preferred or can be obtained.

Responsibilities

• Support training sessions for zoological animal areas and programs.
• Perform daily husbandry tasks including administering vitamins and medications as directed, preparing food, and maintaining clean habitats.
• Observe animals, report abnormalities, and maintain records and equipment.
• Proactively engage with guests and respond to inquiries.
• Work with animals using behavioral modification techniques as instructed.

Skills

Verbal communication

Public speaking

Stage presence

Teamwork

Customer engagement

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Biology

Job description

At Discovery Cove Orlando, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

What you get to do:

• This role supports training sessions for a wide variety of zoological animal areas and programs.
• You will perform daily husbandry tasks, including administering vitamins and medications as directed, preparing food, and maintaining a safe and sanitary working area for all animal habitats.
• Responsible for food preparation and storage
• Provide and maintain a work environment that follows the established guidelines and safety procedures set by the department and park
• Consistently display consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability
• Observe animals and report any abnormalities to supervisor and team
• Maintain all animal records and equipment
• Consistently display consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability
• Perform supportive speaking roles in education and general public presentations.
• Proactively engage with guests and respond to guest inquiries
• Work with animals using behavioral modification techniques as instructed
• Ability to become proficient in the application of behavioral modification techniques used at SeaWorld.

What it takes to succeed:

• Ability to demonstrate strong verbal communication skills and enthusiastically share a passion for animals and conservation with our guests.
• Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people on stage during presentations
• Proficient in talking on a microphone to large crowds of guests
• SCUBA certified and have the ability to pass a dive physical
• Able to complete provided CPR training/certification
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Biology, or a related field preferred
• Previous Marine Mammal Training and or Bird of Prey experience preferred
• At least 18 years old
• A valid state driver’s license and be able to obtain a company driver’s license
• Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and climb/ascend heights, if needed
• Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, to include extreme heat.
• Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors and cold/heat temperature extremes
• Perform cleaning duties, including use of cleaning chemicals
• Work a flexible schedule/hours based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts; nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities

Position level and Compensation rate will be contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility.

Level is determined through review and assessment of applicable experience by Zoo leadership.

Experience required for each level is detailed below:

• Associate: Entry level position
• Specialist: Minimum of 12 months (2,080 hours) professional zoological experience
• Senior: Minimum of 2.5 years (5,200 hours) professional zoological experience
• Senior 1: Minimum of 5 years (10,400 hours) professional zoological experience

Note: as a 365 day/year operation, candidates are expected to provide flexible availability to support year-round operating needs. This may include, but is not limited to, working opening, mid-day and closing shifts during peak and non-peak seasons, as well as weekends and holidays.

The perks of the position:

Ambassadors will enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment, and great teammates, as well as:

• FREE park admission
• Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends
• Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
• Scholarship opportunities
• Exclusive employee events and giveaways

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.

United Parks & Resorts is a world-renowned leader in the themed-park and entertainment industry. Our success is built on a passion for caring for animals and a dedication to delivering positive, memorable experiences to people from around the world. We’re also committed to helping ambitious people achieve their professional best. We’re always seeking exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable individuals for a variety of roles throughout our organization.