Senior Animal Care Professional - Aquatics (Full-Time)

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo•Tampa, FL

45d

About The Position

Step into a senior role where your aquatics expertise shapes animal welfare, team development, and operational excellence. As a Senior Animal Care Professional at ZooTampa, you'll work with complex aquatic habitats and species, apply advanced husbandry and SCUBA skills, and lead by example in training, safety, and behavioral observation. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while contributing to one of the most respected animal care teams in the region. The Animal Care Professional is responsible for the daily care and feeding of assigned animals of assigned animals, maintenance of animal habitats and night-houses, behavioral observations, record keeping, animal enrichment and training, assistance with veterinary procedures, operation of utility vehicles, guest interactions and encounters. You may be a strong match if you: Bring advanced aquatics experience-including SCUBA certification, aquatic husbandry, and confidence working in and around diverse aquatic systems and species. Excel in animal behavior, operant conditioning, and detailed observational assessment across aquatic and mixed-species environments. Enjoy leading, coaching, and developing teammates, elevating standards and supporting a collaborative, mission-driven culture.

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); AA degree or higher preferred
Five or more years paid keeper experience in an AZA accredited institution
SCUBA and First-Aid Certification required for aquatics and manatee teams.
Knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software
Must have good written and oral communication skills and ability to effectively participate in guest engagement activities
Must be self-motivated and goal-oriented
Must be able to maintain discretion with confidential information
Ability to appropriately apply animal training through the use of operant and classical conditioning, with an emphasis on understanding the principles of behavior modification to effectively shape and reinforce desired behaviors.

Responsibilities

General and advanced husbandry care of assigned animals, including preparing and distributing approved animal diets
Close observation of animal behaviors with a particular focus on appropriate appetite, mobility, and waste production to monitor health of animals; notification of appropriate animal care staff of any concerns
Shift animals according to area's standard operating procedures (SOP)
Advanced animal capture, restraint and handling techniques
Engage with Zoo guests at habitats, encounters, chats, training demonstrations, and/or connections.
Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals
Strong knowledge of zoo layout and general animal collection to respond quickly during animal emergencies and also assist guests on a daily basis with exhibit location
Initiates and completes area projects with management's approval
Adherence to area's standard operating procedures (SOP)
Knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns, and reporting protocols
Knowledge of husbandry requirements, and the prevention of zoonotic diseases
Knowledge of basic nutrition requirements for assigned area(s)
Assist registrar in area's record keeping
Inspect, clean, and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas
Propose and perform species-specific enrichment
Actively seek opportunities to participate in guest engagement through interaction with guests during both formal and informal discussions, during events, and as otherwise assigned
Report animal illness, maintenance, safety, horticulture, or other needs to appropriate staff
Assist in animal procedures including trans-locations, veterinary procedures, and crating
Respond to and assist management in guiding the resolution of emergency situations (e.g., Code I, II, III) within the zoo
Lead, coach, and assist in the development of co-workers.
Promote a positive, supportive, and collaborative working environment
Observe safety policies and procedures in regards to the use of zoo equipment, materials, chemicals, and vehicles
Act as point person during supervisor's absence
Coordinate activities between departments (photo shoots, etc.)
Train staff best practices in area(s) of responsibility
Senior level for ACP also requires demonstrated willingness and ability to perform additional responsibilities or assigned roles in designated area(s) or in support of the Zoo as whole
Support media relations as needed, including but not limited to assisting with interviews and media requests
Assist with external programs as needed, including SAFE initiatives, SSP programs, and other local, national, or global conservation efforts.