Association Of Zoos & Aquariums
Animal Care Manager
Essential Functions
Works with a high degree of independence on multiple projects in parallel.
Prepares and feeds daily ration of frozen, fresh, and dry commercial foods.
Maintain exhibit aesthetics through regular cleaning of habitats and exhibits including underwater exhibit maintenance.
Present public programs with and without live animals to diverse groups on a microphone.
Participates in departmental and special events both at the science center and off property.
Keeps up to date records and logs on animals’ diets, health, and husbandry.
Trains and supervises staff, interns, adult, and youth volunteers on all OSC SOPs including proper animal handling procedures and basic husbandry.
Represents the Orlando Science Center in a professional manner with all guests and staff.
May act as an Institutional Representative for designated Species Survival Plan.
Proficient at opening and closing duties within all areas of the LIFE exhibit.
Maintains animal records using ZIMS and daily keeper reports and trains staff on proper record keeping nomenclature and entry methods.
Maintains acquisition, disposition, and animal transfer records and permits.
Determines donations, collection procurement, and specimen placement within the exhibit.
Conducts annual and event-driven welfare assessments for all species.
Administers medicines and routine medical care to OSC’s living collection.
Acts as a liaison to consulting veterinary staff regarding animal medical needs and procedures.
Develops, incorporates, and approves educational/conservation content for programming, hands‑on activities, blogs, or other digital platforms that focus on animal care and mentors Lead Keepers in program development.
Communicates and oversees the execution of all approved animal requests.
Communicates effectively internally and externally with other departments such as public programs, exhibits, education, and facilities.
Acts as part of a ride‑out crew during severe weather to ensure animal health and safety and to assist as needed for facility support.
May act as Orlando Science Center Manager on Duty.
Safely operates OSC vehicle when delivering programs off‑site.
Maintains a valid Florida’s driver’s license and acceptable driving record as stipulated by OSC’s insurance carrier.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Education:
Associate degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field; A Bachelor’s degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field experience is preferred.
Experience & Certifications:
Applicants should possess the equivalent of 4 years’ experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, park, or a similar facility including animal husbandry and public programming.
Employee must have a valid driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record as stipulated by OSC’s insurance carrier, and be willing to drive an OSC vehicle for business purposes.
Employee must be willing to obtain provided CPR and First Aid certification.
Must provide proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) screening within six months prior to employment and annually thereafter.
Must be willing to maintain necessary vaccinations as required (rabies).
Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal sciences, zoology, or related field.
Experience speaking in front of large audiences.
Experience with life support systems, basic animal husbandry, veterinary care, and snorkeling is preferred.
Willing and comfortable working in and around water and able to pass a swim test upon employment.
Must be proficient in all Microsoft Office Software.
Must be highly motivated, organized, and demonstrate a willingness to adapt positively to corporate change.
In‐depth knowledge of USDA, FWC and AZA standards and requirements.
Strong working knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention.
Experience working with a large variety of taxa. Preference given to candidates with crocodilian and/or non‑human primate experience.
Supervisory Responsibility This position is directly responsible for the hiring, training, and development of full‑time, part‑time, interns, and volunteers.
Physical Demands Ability to remain in a stationary position.
Moves throughout the museum.
Ascends/descends stairs throughout the museum.
Ascends/descends ladders or other equipment to perform various tasks.
Observes and reacts to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
Communicates and exchanges accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in‑person, electronically, and over the phone.
Operates a computer and/or office equipment efficiently and accurately.
Manipulates and moves components weighing up to 80 pounds, including those that may be low to the ground or above eye level.
Occasionally works in outdoor environments.
Frequently works in indoor environments.
Kneeling and crouching (frequently).
Ability to be on feet for extended periods of time.
Must be comfortable in and around water.
Must be comfortable working on slippery, uneven surfaces.
Must be able to lift up to 80 pounds.
Expected Hours of Work & Travel This position is full‑time and must be able to work weekends, holidays, and after‑hour events as needed.
Travel throughout the Central Florida area will be required to pick up supplies and program materials.
Telecommuting This position is required to be onsite 100% of the time.
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
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Prepares and feeds daily ration of frozen, fresh, and dry commercial foods.
Maintain exhibit aesthetics through regular cleaning of habitats and exhibits including underwater exhibit maintenance.
Present public programs with and without live animals to diverse groups on a microphone.
Participates in departmental and special events both at the science center and off property.
Keeps up to date records and logs on animals’ diets, health, and husbandry.
Trains and supervises staff, interns, adult, and youth volunteers on all OSC SOPs including proper animal handling procedures and basic husbandry.
Represents the Orlando Science Center in a professional manner with all guests and staff.
May act as an Institutional Representative for designated Species Survival Plan.
Proficient at opening and closing duties within all areas of the LIFE exhibit.
Maintains animal records using ZIMS and daily keeper reports and trains staff on proper record keeping nomenclature and entry methods.
Maintains acquisition, disposition, and animal transfer records and permits.
Determines donations, collection procurement, and specimen placement within the exhibit.
Conducts annual and event-driven welfare assessments for all species.
Administers medicines and routine medical care to OSC’s living collection.
Acts as a liaison to consulting veterinary staff regarding animal medical needs and procedures.
Develops, incorporates, and approves educational/conservation content for programming, hands‑on activities, blogs, or other digital platforms that focus on animal care and mentors Lead Keepers in program development.
Communicates and oversees the execution of all approved animal requests.
Communicates effectively internally and externally with other departments such as public programs, exhibits, education, and facilities.
Acts as part of a ride‑out crew during severe weather to ensure animal health and safety and to assist as needed for facility support.
May act as Orlando Science Center Manager on Duty.
Safely operates OSC vehicle when delivering programs off‑site.
Maintains a valid Florida’s driver’s license and acceptable driving record as stipulated by OSC’s insurance carrier.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Education:
Associate degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field; A Bachelor’s degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field experience is preferred.
Experience & Certifications:
Applicants should possess the equivalent of 4 years’ experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, park, or a similar facility including animal husbandry and public programming.
Employee must have a valid driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record as stipulated by OSC’s insurance carrier, and be willing to drive an OSC vehicle for business purposes.
Employee must be willing to obtain provided CPR and First Aid certification.
Must provide proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) screening within six months prior to employment and annually thereafter.
Must be willing to maintain necessary vaccinations as required (rabies).
Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal sciences, zoology, or related field.
Experience speaking in front of large audiences.
Experience with life support systems, basic animal husbandry, veterinary care, and snorkeling is preferred.
Willing and comfortable working in and around water and able to pass a swim test upon employment.
Must be proficient in all Microsoft Office Software.
Must be highly motivated, organized, and demonstrate a willingness to adapt positively to corporate change.
In‐depth knowledge of USDA, FWC and AZA standards and requirements.
Strong working knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention.
Experience working with a large variety of taxa. Preference given to candidates with crocodilian and/or non‑human primate experience.
Supervisory Responsibility This position is directly responsible for the hiring, training, and development of full‑time, part‑time, interns, and volunteers.
Physical Demands Ability to remain in a stationary position.
Moves throughout the museum.
Ascends/descends stairs throughout the museum.
Ascends/descends ladders or other equipment to perform various tasks.
Observes and reacts to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
Communicates and exchanges accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in‑person, electronically, and over the phone.
Operates a computer and/or office equipment efficiently and accurately.
Manipulates and moves components weighing up to 80 pounds, including those that may be low to the ground or above eye level.
Occasionally works in outdoor environments.
Frequently works in indoor environments.
Kneeling and crouching (frequently).
Ability to be on feet for extended periods of time.
Must be comfortable in and around water.
Must be comfortable working on slippery, uneven surfaces.
Must be able to lift up to 80 pounds.
Expected Hours of Work & Travel This position is full‑time and must be able to work weekends, holidays, and after‑hour events as needed.
Travel throughout the Central Florida area will be required to pick up supplies and program materials.
Telecommuting This position is required to be onsite 100% of the time.
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
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