Bird Care Specialist (Avian, Part-Time)

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens • Jacksonville, FL

6d

About The Position

Avian Enthusiast Wanted! Are you ready to take your passion for birds to new heights? We are seeking an exceptional individual with solid observational and record-keeping skills, an outstanding safety record, and the ability to engage seamlessly with both guests and fellow team members. Bird Care Specialist (Part-Time) to join our dedicated animal care team up to 29.5 hours per week . This role is essential in supporting our strategic plan by exceeding modern animal care regulations and ensuring the highest standards of animal wellbeing in the assigned areas. In this role, you will gain hands-on experience with rare and diverse species and have opportunities in specialized animal care. You will play a pivotal role in the well-being of a diverse array of birds, including African Spoonbills, Black-faced Ibises, Crested Screamers, and Yellow-billed Storks, to name just a few. Your responsibilities will encompass animal care, habitat maintenance, and creating memorable interactions for the public with our incredible feathered residents. Imagine working with the regal Indian Blue Peafowl, the vibrant Scarlet Ibis, the majestic Whooping Crane, and the charming Laughing Kookaburra. Your role will involve not only ensuring the welfare of these remarkable creatures but also sharing your enthusiasm and knowledge with our visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for avian diversity. If you're prepared to spread your wings and contribute to the well-being of an extensive and captivating avian community, apply now! Soar with us to meet our mission of “Connecting our community to wildlife and wild places.”

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the position for an 9.5 hour shift, including working in Florida weather, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Engaging communication skills for guest interaction and team collaboration.
• Willingness to work 3 days a week that includes a Saturday or Sunday, with flexibility for occasional operational needs and/or disaster recovery efforts.
• Demonstrate a strong foundation in professional animal care, including: Hands-on experience in daily animal husbandry, including behavioral observation, enrichment implementation, animal recordkeeping, and participation in animal introductions.
• Familiarity with biosecurity, quarantine, and avian safety practices.
• Working knowledge of comparative biology and natural history across multiple taxa, including reptiles, amphibians, fishes, birds, mammals, and invertebrates.
• Understanding of and adherence to biosecurity, quarantine, and disease-prevention protocols within multi-taxa collections (e.g., parasite management, chytrid fungi, ranavirus, inclusion body disease).
• Working knowledge of safely handle and restrain a wide variety of species using approved tools, PPE, and protocols, including potentially dangerous or venomous animals when applicable to the role.
• Animal Care Specialist I : Six (6) months of full-time equivalent (960 hours) experience in relevant paid or unpaid internships, coursework, or volunteer experience involving the care, husbandry, or management of wildlife in a professionally managed setting (such as a zoo, aquarium, sanctuary, or wildlife rehabilitation facility).
• Animal Care Specialist II : Two (2) years of paid experience involving the care, husbandry, or management of wildlife in a professionally managed setting (such as a zoo, aquarium, sanctuary, or wildlife rehabilitation facility).
• Senior Care Specialist: Five (5) years of paid experience involving the care, husbandry, or management of wildlife in a professionally managed setting (such as a zoo, aquarium, sanctuary, or wildlife rehabilitation facility).
• Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings prior to their start date.
• Compliance with these requirements is mandatory to ensure the safety of staff, animals, and visitors.
• These include: Criminal background check.
• 5-panel drug test
• Non-DOT physical examination
• Proof of a current negative tuberculosis (TB) test.
• Documentation of required vaccinations, including rabies vaccination or titer.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree or coursework in related fields (e.g., biology, animal science, zoology) is encouraged as a foundation for growth.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related life science and/or advanced degrees, certifications, or specialized training in mammal care or wildlife management.
• Experience working in an AZA-accredited or similar professional animal care institution.
• Familiarity with institutional animal record systems (e.g., ZIMS or equivalent).
• Experience supporting flight conditioning, enrichment, or ambassador bird handling under established protocols
• Experience assisting with avian husbandry, enclosure maintenance, and behavioral observation
• Ability to integrate conservation storytelling tied to field research or species survival plans.

Responsibilities

• Animal Care: Monitor, inspect, feed, clean, and make minor repairs to animal enclosures.
• Observe/record.
• Maintain daily records.
• Guest Interactions: Enhance guest experience through engaging and educational interactions.
• Safety and Security: Comply with safety policies and protocols to prioritize human and animal safety.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED