Zoological Specialist

busch gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!

the zoological specialist is responsible for providing consistent care and training to a wide variety of species. The successful applicant must be team-oriented with a positive, supportive attitude. The zoological specialist promotes conservation through exceptional animal care, alongside a strong work ethic, positive guest interactions, and a professional approach. With four levels of zoological specialists at busch gardens, successful applicant’s placement and primary purpose will be based on experience and skill.

• 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, and guest experience.
• enhance animal wellbeing with attention to nutrition, reproduction, habitat, and behavior.
• support conservation breeding programs as applicable.
• participate 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.
• participate as requested in animal outreach presentations, including school visits and animal appearances in various media and stage presentations.
• understand advanced concepts of positive reinforcement training, maintain current behaviors for all applicable animals, and train new behaviors to completion under minimal supervision.
• provide coaching and mentoring to park ambassadors as assigned.
• contribute to the review process for park ambassadors under mentorship.
• deliver department seminars and development opportunities.

• at least 18 years of age.
• valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving guidelines.
• a positive, team‑mind’ed attitude and desire to grow in your career.
• strong communication skills (written and verbal) allowing for efficient and professional communication with teammates and management.
• 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.
• able to operate light and possibly heavy equipment including tractors, skid‑steers, mowers, weed‑eaters, trailers, and other equipment as…