Zoological Specialist - Hospital Keeper

Entertainment Places; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes

Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K Retirement plan

Voluntary Insurance Life Insurance

Disability Benefits

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Legal Assistance Plan

Job summary

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is seeking an experienced animal care professional to lead training, enrichment, and guest interaction programs across designated habitats. You will follow safety protocols, assist veterinarians, and mentor junior staff while contributing to welfare-focused husbandry and conservation efforts.

The role requires public speaking, adaptability to outdoor conditions, and a strong commitment to dynamic animal training and education for park guests.

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.

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.
• Create and administer animal enrichment to enhance animal wellbeing and training goals.
• Assist with the development and implementation of dynamic animal training projects and programs.
• Mentor and develop Husbandry Assistants and Zoological Specialists as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned: provide husbandry of hospitalized and quarantined animals, assist veterinarians and technicians as needed.

Skills

Public speaking

Guest interaction

Communication skills

Observational skills

Problem solving

Team player

Education

College degree in Zoology

AZA facility experience

Job description

What you get to do:

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: provide husbandry of hospitalized and quarantined animals, assist veterinarians and technicians as needed, support hospital operations including maintenance of buildings, vehicles, and landscaping.

What it takes to succeed:

• 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.

Desired 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

What else is important:

• 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 28 hours per week, with a flexible schedule to include mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnights
• 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, midday and closing shifts during peak and non-peak seasons, as well as weekends and holidays.

The perks of the position:

• Paid Time Off
• Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
• Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K Retirement plan
• Voluntary Insurance Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Tuition ReimbursementDependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Assistance Plan

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.