Manatee Stranding Animal Care Associate; Part-Time

Overview

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? Zoo Tampa is looking for a part-time Manatee Stranding Animal Care Associate to join our team.

Who We Are Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. We have grown to encompass 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers educational programming, recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!

Duties include but are not limited to coordinating with Florida Wild Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Manatee Stranding Response Team to provide trained staff and equipment to support field-based activities to include manatee rescues, transports, health assessments and post-release monitoring. In addition, provide support for Zoo Tampa’s Manatee Critical Care Center to include daily manatee care, assisting with manatee medical treatments and procedures, and community outreach as applicable.

Essential Functions (including but not limited to):

• Assist FWC’s Manatee Stranding Response Team with manatee stranding as requested. This could include verification of strandings, water rescue support and manatee transport to a critical care facility.
• Collect and manage data according to FWC standards for manatee rehabilitation partnership
• Assist with manatee releases and transports
• Ability to operate and maintain rescue vehicle and field based equipment
• Assist with manatee husbandry (including diving), health assessments, observations and medical treatments as needed to support the Zoo’s manatee team and hospital
• Log hours and expenses for grant and program accounting
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Conservation and Learning for community outreach opportunities
• Assist FWC with carcass recoveries/necropsies
• Coordinate volunteer team for responses as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required;
  College degree in biology or related science preferred.
• Minimum of one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• SCUBA and First-Aid Certification
• Basic knowledge of zoonotic diseases
• Knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software
• Must have good written and oral communication skills
• Must be self-motivated and goal-oriented
• Must be able to maintain discretion with confidential information
• Ability to develop positive relationships with members of all department, and to work effectively alone and in group setting
• Ability to complete projects in a reasonable time frame, to the complete satisfaction of management
• Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors, and the general public
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions
• Must have the ability to follow specific instructions and also be comfortable self-directing within assigned parameters
• Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public
• Flexible schedule is desirable

• Conducts all activities in alignment with Zoo Tampa standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold)
• Possess visual, hearing and other sensory and cognitive capacity appropriate for animal care and general safety practices
• Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to…