Position: Ambassador Apprentice Keeper
Status: Full Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt
Department: Animal
Reports to: Animal Curator
POSITION OVERVIEW
Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. It is also home to the Sea Turtle Healing Center for rehabilitation of wild marine turtles. Brevard Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation ethic and unique attractions, such as kayaking through the Africa area, giraffe feeding, and rhinoceros and various other animal encounters.
This position consists of daily keeper care of the ambassador animal species. This includes skunks, parrots, various reptiles, barnyard animals, and other species. All animal staff must work towards providing the highest level of animal wellbeing. Must be able to work as an integral part of the zoo team and communicate effectively with co-workers, management, and guests.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
- Valid State of Florida driver’s license.
- Must be flexible with schedule including holidays, weekends, evenings, and during emergency situations.
- Must be willing to work in inclement weather including temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and high humidity.
PREFERRED/DESIRED:
- Zoo keeping internship or equivalent experience in an AZA accredited facility.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provide general husbandry for all animals in the assigned section. This includes cleaning animal habitats, preparing diets, enrichment, and observing animal health and welfare daily.
- Accurately maintain and complete daily records.
- Willing to work with and under the guidance of Animal Management to ensure Brevard Zoo’s standards of animal wellbeing are always being maintained.
- Interpret effectively to guests on the zoo’s mission in line with the master interpretative plan with ambassador animal species.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must have an understanding of animal behavior and operant conditioning.
- Speaks intelligently and diplomatically with co-workers, volunteers, and guests.
- Initiates and writes accurate reports and manages assigned projects.
- Ability to follow all Zoo standard operation procedures.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
(M) Medium Work
Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects as needed to move objects.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/HAZARDS:
Outdoor environment most often with frequent movement indoors. Exposure to extreme heat and weather conditions. Requires Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, Finger Dexterity, Talking, Hearing, and Visual Acuity frequently.
WORK SCHEDULE:
May be required to work weekends and nights as necessary. Special events are frequently required.
The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Zoo’s policies on evaluation of personnel.
Brevard Zoo provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Brevard Zoo complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Brevard Zoo expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Brevard Zoo's employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.
Brevard Zoo will not tolerate retaliation against employees who raise concerns or who file a claim of discrimination whether through external agencies or through Brevard Zoo’s internal procedures.
| 
