Association Of Zoos & Aquariums
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!
Position Summary 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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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.
Requirements
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 needed.
Ability to work in a physically demanding work environment in a variety of outdoor weather conditions (e.g., dust, extreme heat, cold, rain).
Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50lbs as needed in the specified area.
Ability to stand, walk, lift, bend, climb, and squat as needed in the specified area.
Ability to follow all standard operating procedures for the specified area.
Ability to complete all provided SEA training as assigned.
Flexibility in work locations/animal areas, as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities.
Able to work at least 40 hours per week, with a flexible schedule to include mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnights.
Must attach resume to be considered for this role.
The Zoo Specialist level will be based on the experience and skill of the successful candidate: Associate, Specialist, Senior, or Senior I.
Preferred Qualifications
College degree in Zoology, Biology, Psychology, or related field.
Experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility.
Experience and skill in operant conditioning using positive reinforcement techniques.
A fluent understanding and ability to apply fundamental & advanced concepts of positive reinforcement driven animal training principles.
Previous public speaking experience in demonstrations or presentations.
Experience with Class I animals.
SCUBA certification, with ability to complete annual physical swim competency review.
Perks of the Position
Accrual‑based Paid Time Off
SEA Employee Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
SEA Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Voluntary Insurance
Disability Benefits
Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance Program
Legal Assistance Plan
As part of the SeaWorld family, you’ll enjoy a fun, fast‑paced environment and great teammates, as well as:
Join the team.
EEO Employer SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.
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Position Summary 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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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.
Requirements
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 needed.
Ability to work in a physically demanding work environment in a variety of outdoor weather conditions (e.g., dust, extreme heat, cold, rain).
Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50lbs as needed in the specified area.
Ability to stand, walk, lift, bend, climb, and squat as needed in the specified area.
Ability to follow all standard operating procedures for the specified area.
Ability to complete all provided SEA training as assigned.
Flexibility in work locations/animal areas, as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities.
Able to work at least 40 hours per week, with a flexible schedule to include mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnights.
Must attach resume to be considered for this role.
The Zoo Specialist level will be based on the experience and skill of the successful candidate: Associate, Specialist, Senior, or Senior I.
Preferred Qualifications
College degree in Zoology, Biology, Psychology, or related field.
Experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility.
Experience and skill in operant conditioning using positive reinforcement techniques.
A fluent understanding and ability to apply fundamental & advanced concepts of positive reinforcement driven animal training principles.
Previous public speaking experience in demonstrations or presentations.
Experience with Class I animals.
SCUBA certification, with ability to complete annual physical swim competency review.
Perks of the Position
Accrual‑based Paid Time Off
SEA Employee Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
SEA Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Voluntary Insurance
Disability Benefits
Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee Assistance Program
Legal Assistance Plan
As part of the SeaWorld family, you’ll enjoy a fun, fast‑paced environment and great teammates, as well as:
Join the team.
EEO Employer SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.
#J-18808-Ljbffr