Zoological Specialist (Associate - Senior 1)

Entertainment Places; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE park admission

Discounts on park admission tickets

Park discounts on food, merchandise

Scholarship opportunities

Exclusive employee events and gives

Job summary

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment in Orlando seeks enthusiastic Ambassadors to support animal training and education programs. You will assist daily husbandry tasks, prepare food, and maintain safe habitats while engaging guests with informative presentations.

Ideal candidates have strong public speaking skills, CPR and scuba credentials, and a passion for conservation. The role requires flexible hours in a dynamic park environment and a willingness to work weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Strong verbal communication and enthusiasm for animals.
• Comfort speaking to large groups on stage.
• Proficient mic skills for live presentations.
• Valid CPR training and scuba certification preferred.
• 18 years old or older with a valid driver’s license.
• Experience with marine mammal care encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Support training sessions across zoological areas and programs.
• Perform daily husbandry tasks including vitamins/meds and food prep.
• Maintain safe, sanitary habitats and record animal data.
• Interact with guests and respond to inquiries during presentations.
• Use behavioral modification techniques under supervision.
• Participate in education and public outreach activities.

Skills

Verbal communication

Public speaking

Mic use / microphone

Scuba certification

CPR training

Athletic stamina

Guest engagement

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Biology

Job description

At SeaWorld, 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

• Able 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 certification preferred.
• Able to complete provided CPR training/certification.
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Biology, or a related field preferred.
• Previous Marine Mammal Training 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.

What else is important

• Able 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.
• You will 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).
• Able 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.
• Will perform cleaning duties; including use of cleaning chemicals.
• Will work flexible schedules/hours based on business needs, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts; nights, weekends, and holidays.
• 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:

Experience levels

• 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

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.