Mammal Care Specialist, Primates (Full-Time)

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens • Jacksonville, FL

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About The Position

We’re seeking a full-time Mammal Care Specialist, to join our dedicated animal care team in the Primate Forest area . 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 primates that includes bonobos, gorillas, mandrills, colobus monkeys, and a variety of lemur species. 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 work (3) full days (7am-5:30pm) and (2) half days (7am-12:45pm) weekly, that may include a Saturday or Sunday.
• Willingness to work a schedule that may include weekends and holidays, with flexibility for occasional night shifts, events, or disaster recovery efforts.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the position , including working in Florida weather, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Experience Mammal 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).
• Mammal Care Specialist II: Two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience in relevant 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 Mammal Care Specialist : Five (5) years of full-time equivalent experience in relevant 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).
• Strong foundation in animal care , including husbandry, behavioral observation, enrichment, recordkeeping, and animal introductions.
• Demonstrated excellent safety record and ability to adhere to established protocols.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills for team collaboration and guest engagement.
• 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: 5 Panel drug screening Non-DOT physical examination Criminal Background check 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.

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: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED