Commissary/Animal Care Professional (Swing)

Naples Zoo Inc•Naples, FL

15d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will be primarily responsible for the daily diet preparation for the animal collection. Several days a week, this position will rotate through the various animal areas (mixed mammals, primates, animal ambassadors/shows, ectotherms, and carnivores) to provide daily husbandry, enrichment, and training of the animals in those areas. This position requires a high degree of organization, flexibility within the workday, and excellent communication skills.

Requirements

Associate or bachelor’s degree in an animal related field is preferred; equivalent life experience may be substituted
Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish and maintain professional working relationships
Ability to safely use standard food prep equipment including knives, blenders, digital and non-digital scales, etc.
Ability to follow written diet preparation guidelines
Ability to or willingness to learn how to ride a bicycle
Ability to drive a vehicle and operate small machinery
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively via speaking and writing
Ability to work independently or with a team
Ability to work flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and special events
Ability to learn Species 360/ZIMS and Animal Care Software data entry skills
Possession of strong organizational skills
Possession of strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, views, and work styles
Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and maintain a positive attitude during times of stress
Knowledge of animal husbandry, animal welfare and operant conditioning
Ability to think logically and solve problems accordingly
Computer competency with Microsoft programs
Ability to work outside in weather condition typical of South Florida
Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/move up to 70 pounds, stand for long period of time
Ability to drive Zoo bicycles
Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to handle, reach, feel and manipulate objects, tools or controls
Ability to sit, walk distances, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel and crouch
Ability for close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
Ability to hear and talk and use a radio

Nice To Haves

Experience in a zoological setting is desirable

Responsibilities

Prepare daily animal diets- chopping, weighing, and measuring produce, grain, meat, and other foodstuffs
Perform food and supply ordering and inventory for Animal Department
Maintain detailed, accurate records of diets, diet changes, food and supply inventories, and order histories
Coordinate with food and supply vendors for timely, appropriate deliveries
Maintain a sanitary commissary according to USDA and AZA regulations
Understand basic animal nutrition
Perform animal husbandry and care of assigned animals to maximize animal well-being, and alert the appropriate Field Supervisor of animal concerns
Observe animal behavior to monitor health and welfare
Participate in animal training for specific behaviors needed for husbandry, management, and veterinary procedures
Participate in providing animal enrichment, including generating and implementing new ideas through the appropriate approval process
Perform animal handling and restraint as needed
Support veterinary health needs as requested
Assist in the mentorship and training of Zoo staff, interns, and volunteers
Respond to and assist in the resolution of Zoo emergencies
Observe safety policies throughout the Zoo as they pertain to the use of equipment, materials, chemicals, and vehicles, and bring safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor
Engage with guests in a welcoming, courteous manner, and address the public during keeper talks, shows, or other animal encounters
Assist with special events and requests from marketing and development as needed
Adhere to regulatory standards (USDA, FWC, AZA), and recognize and report concerns to the appropriate supervisor
Provide support for education and conservation programming as needed
Maintain records in accordance with protocols and as directed
Perform all area specific standard operating procedures, and assist with training staff/interns as requested
Perform skilled assignments related to animal care and wellness and prioritize routines and projects in accordance with sound time management and efficiency
Effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and other Zoo personnel in support of the overall needs of the animals, department, and organization
Actively participate in area meetings
Assist with project management as needed
Perform other duties as assigned
OPTIONAL: Apply to become a trained member of the Zoo’s Weapons Team

Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision Health Coverage
Company paid Life Insurance policy of $25,000
Supplemental insurance plans available (disability, GAP, accident, critical care)
403B Retirement and Investment Opportunities
Accrued Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement Program available
Holiday Premium Pay
Employee Referral Bonuses
Complimentary Zoo admission for employees and/or their families after 90 days of employment
Complimentary and discounted admissions to 100+ Florida theme parks for employee and/or their families
30% Employee Discount at Naples Zoo Gift Shop & Zoo cafes