Overview
Animal Care Professional - Ambassador / Ectotherms Swing
Do you enjoy conveying your passion for conservation to the public in an entertaining yet informative manner?
Naples Zoo invites you to apply to be part of our team.
The Animal Ambassador and Ectotherm department is seeking a full-time, team-oriented candidate.
The qualified candidate will have experience presenting live animals, public speaking, and a strong background in operant conditioning techniques.
Our current animal collection includes birds, small mammals, and reptiles.
Prior experience with a variety of animals is advantageous but not required.
This position focuses primarily on the Ambassador team with cross-training opportunities on the Ectotherm team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Advanced animal husbandry and care of assigned animals to maximize wellness
Observation of animal behavior to monitor health and wellbeing
Notification of animal or safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor
Maintain records in accordance with protocols and as directed
Perform all area-specific standard operating procedures and assist with training staff/interns as requested
Comply with and enforce zoo-wide safety protocols; report potential hazards to supervisors/managers
Support veterinary health needs as requested
Perform animal handling and restraint as needed
Actively train approved animal-specific behaviors for husbandry, management, and veterinary procedures
Actively participate in animal enrichment, including generating and implementing new items and submitting them through the appropriate approval process
Respond to emergencies as assigned
Knowledge of regulatory standards (USDA, FWC, AZA) and ability to recognize concerns and report them to the appropriate supervisor
Interact with Zoo visitors in an engaging and professional manner, including answering questions, conducting shows, keeper chats, and special tours
Provide support for education and conservation programming as needed
Assist with special events and requests from marketing and development as needed
Perform skilled assignments related to animal care and wellness; prioritize routines and projects with sound time management
Effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and other Zoo personnel
Actively participate in area meetings
Assist with project management as needed
Optional: Apply to become a trained member of the Zoo's Weapons Team
Qualifications and Experience
Associate or Bachelor's degree in an animal-related field is preferred.
Life experience may be substituted.
Minimum one-year paid experience in an AZA-accredited institution or two-year paid experience in a non-AZA institution
Positive, effective team member with professional working relationships
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and work styles
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Adaptability to a rapidly changing environment and ability to stay positive under stress
Self-motivated and goal-oriented
Good written and oral communication skills
Knowledge of animal husbandry, animal welfare, and operant conditioning
Ability to work flexible hours, including weekdays, holidays, and special events
Ability to organize/prioritize workload to meet deadlines
Ability to drive a vehicle and operate small machinery
Logical thinker with strong problem-solving skills
Ability to communicate with guests in a kind, courteous manner
Computer competency with Microsoft programs
Ability to learn Species 360 / ZIMS data entry
Physical Requirements
Ability to work outdoors in South Florida weather conditions
Frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally up to 65 pounds; stand for long periods
Ability to ride Zoo bicycles
Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, reach, feel, and manipulate objects/tools
Ability to sit, walk, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel, and crouch
Close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
Ability to hear, speak, and use a radio
The duties listed are illustrative; omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.
Special InformationAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
Naples Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The ADA requires Naples Zoo to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities.
Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the Human Resources Office.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Naples Zoo is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture, and our team does not discriminate against candidates or employees because of disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.
Benefits and Perks
Company-paid life insurance policy of $25,000
Supplemental insurance plans available (disability, GAP, accident, critical care)
403B Retirement and Investment Opportunities
Tuition Reimbursement Program available
Complimentary zoo admission for employees and/or their families after 90 days of employment
Complimentary and discounted admissions to 100+ Florida theme parks for employee and/or their families
30% Employee Discount at Naples Zoo Gift Shop & Zoo cafes
Naples Zoo
1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples, FL 34102
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