Adjunct Assistant Professor, Zoo Animal Technology

Santa Fe College Employees•Gainesville, FL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Adjunct Assistant Professor develops, prepares, and teaches specialized zoological courses at Santa Fe College’s Teaching Zoo, a 10-acre, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo on the college campus in Gainesville, Florida. Courses include Introduction to Zoos and Aquariums; Basic Zookeeper Technology and Lab; Animal Management 1–4; Zoo Topics; Herpeculture; Aviculture; Mammal Culture; Aquarium Culture; Animal Nutrition; and Animal Breeding. Under general supervision, the position provides instruction in didactic, laboratory, and classroom settings and supervises student zookeeping skills and competencies within the Teaching Zoo. The instructor supports student learning, contributes to curriculum development and assessment, maintains student records, participates in college and departmental activities, and provides service consistent with the college’s mission, policies, and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a recognized academic major in animal sciences, such as biology, wildlife ecology, marine biology, animal ecology, environmental science, animal science, animal management, anthrozoology, wildlife conservation, veterinary medicine, veterinary technician, animal behavior, or zoology; alternatively, an associate’s degree in zoo animal technology coupled with work experience and demonstrated competencies in zookeeping and/or zoo animal management.
Ability to work successfully in a multicultural environment.
Adaptability and flexibility, including the ability to support and positively assimilate change in a rapidly growing environment.
Analytical aptitude and problem-solving ability, including collecting and interpreting data, identifying issues, drawing conclusions, developing recommendations, and evaluating outcomes.
Professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful communication skills.
Critical-thinking and judgment skills for making sensible, timely decisions based on objective review and analysis.
Ability to respond promptly and courteously to students’ and faculty members’ questions, demonstrating patience and persistence when assisting students with limited computer skills.
Integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in job-related actions.
Organization and time-management skills to plan and complete tasks within or ahead of established time frames.
Ability to identify issues, determine causes, develop solutions, and follow through on resolutions.
Relationship-management skills and ability to provide interactive service and address others’ needs.
Ability to set and exceed established targets.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to organize, coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously and respond appropriately to situations.
Completion of a criminal background check.
Submit a completed online SF application, letter of intent, up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae, and unofficial academic transcripts and certifications. Official transcripts are required before an employment offer is made.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of professional experience in a zoological field.
Relevant teaching experience in a community college setting.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and deliver instruction in didactic, laboratory, and classroom settings to promote student success.
Train students in zookeeping skills, including cleaning and sanitation, animal restraint and handling, diet preparation and feeding, animal behavior and observation, operant conditioning, safe zoo practices, and guest interactions.
Direct, supervise, and evaluate students’ zookeeping skills and competencies within the SF Teaching Zoo.
Support the college and departmental missions through quality instruction, curriculum enhancement, and timely service.
Collaborate with the Chair, faculty, and peers to evaluate, revise, and develop curriculum that cultivates mastery of course content.
Use technological literacy and innovation in delivering instruction.
Work collaboratively as part of an academic team.
Assist with implementing college policies, objectives, and functions in accordance with the college’s philosophy, mission, strategic initiatives, and procedures.
Participate in departmental meetings and collegewide committees as needed.
Provide students with frequent, timely assessments and clear feedback about academic performance.
Document student progress and maintain attendance, grading, and student learning outcome records.
Develop methods to assess student progress fairly and accurately against stated learning outcomes and objectives.
Maintain appropriate office hours proportionate to the instructional assignment.
Provide service to the college through events, committees, and other college activities.
Protect the privacy and security of student records and other sensitive information in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
Comply with College Rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws and regulations governing public employees, including requirements concerning document retention and destruction, FERPA, and confidentiality.
Provide courteous, informed, accessible, and professional service.
Perform other duties as assigned.