Herpetology Care Specialist I (Part-Time)

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens • Jacksonville, FL

14d

About The Position

We’re seeking a Herpetology Care Specialist I, (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. This is an opportunity to grow your expertise while supporting our high standards of animal wellbeing, working with snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, salamanders, fish, and ambassador animals used for education and outreach . Join us in making a difference for these incredible animals, ensuring their health, happiness, and thriving futures.

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.
• Working knowledge of understanding of species-specific husbandry requirements for both ectothermic and endothermic species, including temperature gradients, humidity, UVB lighting, and water quality.
• Experience maintaining and servicing animal habitats across terrestrial, arboreal, aquatic, and semi-aquatic environments.
• Practical experience with diet preparation and nutritional management for a range of dietary strategies, including insectivores, carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores.
• 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).

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 education, ambassador animal programs, or public-facing animal encounters.
• Coursework or training in zoology, biology, animal science, wildlife management, or a related field.
• Experience with behavioral enrichment design for ambassador animals.
• 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