Manatee Care Specialist

JZBG • Jacksonville, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

We're looking for passionate animal care professionals to join the team making it all possible. The work you will do here is visible, celebrated, and directly connected to the recovery of wild manatee populations in Florida. You'll provide expert daily care for rescued manatees in one of the most advanced rehabilitation facilities in the Southeast — and help tell their story to thousands of guests every year.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Availability to accommodate a flexible schedule, including extended hours, holidays, and weekends, and willingness to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to participate in the response team for stranding or medical emergencies involving marine mammals.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clear driving record and be over age 18 to operate organizational vehicles.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing and crouching.
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs
• Operating hand and power tools
• Operating motorized vehicles
• Frequent underwater work using SCUBA equipment
• Verbal communication and visual and auditory awareness to monitor animal behavior, respond to safety alerts and communicate with colleagues and guests.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor's degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, wildlife management, environmental science, animal behavior, fisheries/marine science, or a closely related field, preferred.
• SCUBA certified.
• Observant and calm under pressure.
• Communicates clearly, documents accurately, and shows up for your team.
• Cares deeply about manatee conservation — and knows how to share that passion with the public.
• SCUBA certification.
• Experience with marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, or husbandry
• Familiarity with ZIMS, Tracks, or similar animal record systems
• Internship or volunteer experience with FWC, NOAA partners, or AZA-accredited institutions
• May require local or national travel.
• Ability to travel locally to deliver educational programs at off-site community locations.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily feeding, medication administration, habitat cleaning, and enrichment
• Monitor and document manatee health, behavior, buoyancy, appetite, and reproductive activity
• Assist with veterinary procedures, rescue response, and approved research
• Conduct underwater exhibit inspections and behavioral monitoring using SCUBA equipment
• Uphold AZA, FWC, USDA, and OSHA standards at all times
• Contribute to Species Survival Plans and habitat planning
• Follow biosecurity and zoonotic disease prevention protocols
• Deliver keeper chats, tours, and conservation education that connect guests to manatee conservation
• Practice responsible messaging that promotes habitat protection and discourages wildlife trafficking
• Higher level care specialist will have team leading and additional responsibilities.

Benefits

• The work you will do here is visible, celebrated, and directly connected to the recovery of wild manatee populations in Florida.
• One of the most advanced rehabilitation facilities in the Southeast
• Equal opportunity, drug-free employer.

What This Job Offers

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