Ambassador Keeper I at Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, FL

Position: Ambassador Keeper 1

Status: Full Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt

Department: Animal

Reports to: Area Supervisor

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, rhinoceros and various other animal encounters.

This position consists of daily keeper work and is expected to perform skilled assignments related to the care and feeding of a variety of ambassador animals including skunks, porcupine, parrots, domestic goats, various reptiles, and other species. Must work towards providing the highest level of animal wellbeing. A high standard of care for all animals to include advanced training techniques, species specific enrichment, and husbandry is required. Must be able to work as an integral part of the zoo team and communicate effectively with co-workers, management, and guests.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• One year of zoo keeping experience in an AZA accredited facility.
• Valid State of Florida driver’s license.
• Must be flexible with schedule including holidays, weekends, evenings, and during emergency situations. Ambassador keepers are required to work after hours animal events as scheduled.
• Must be willing to work in inclement weather including temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and high humidity

PREFERRED/DESIRED:

• Ambassador animal experience
• Presenting in front of audiences
• Positive reinforcement training
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in related field.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide general husbandry for all animals in the Ambassador Animal section. This includes cleaning animal habitats, preparing diets, training, enrichment, and observing animal health and welfare daily.
• Responsible for minor habitat repair and maintenance.
• Knowledgeable and comfortable working with all species in this area on a regular basis (training provided).
• Accurately maintain and complete daily records.
• Responsible for the training of additional staff and interns.
• Speak in front of small and large audiences on designated topics
• Willing to work with and under the guidance of Animal Management to ensure Brevard Zoo’s standards of animal wellbeing are always being maintained.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must have an excellent 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, holidays, and nights as necessary.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement

East Coast Zoological Society of Florida, Inc., dba Brevard Zoo, is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, transfer, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment.

Employees and applicants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, and retaliation for reporting such concerns is strictly prohibited.

Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.