Zoological Specialist

SeaWorld•Tampa, FL

12d•$15 - $22

About The Position

The Zoological Specialist provides consistent care and training to a wide variety of species and promotes conservation through exceptional animal care, positive guest interactions, a strong work ethic, and a professional approach. Placement among four specialist levels and the primary purpose of the role are based on the successful candidate’s experience and skill. Hires may be assigned to one of several zoological areas, including Veldt, Birds West, Birds East, Jungala, Edge of Africa, Cheetah, Myombe, Animal Connections, Pantopia/Wild Oasis, Outback, or Elephant. Work locations and animal areas may vary based on business needs and career development opportunities. The role includes animal husbandry and training, maintaining safe habitats and facilities, creating enrichment, supporting animal wellbeing and conservation breeding programs, and participating in animal management procedures alongside the veterinary team as needed. It also involves guest engagement and public speaking, documenting animal health and behavior in TRACKS, and communicating with and mentoring colleagues. Depending on level, responsibilities may include outreach presentations, advanced animal training, coaching park ambassadors, and delivering seminars. The position requires at least 40 hours per week on a flexible schedule that may include mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnights. It is physically demanding and involves outdoor weather conditions, lifting up to 50 pounds, and operating equipment as needed. Compensation is $15–$22 per hour.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving guidelines.
Positive, team-minded attitude and desire to grow in a career.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for professional, efficient communication with teammates and management.
Excellent observational skills.
Strong work ethic and ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and apply creative problem-solving skills.
Flexibility to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Desire to promote conservation messages to varied audiences.
Presentation and engagement skills, including public speaking and guest relations.
Hard-working, decisive, and capable of handling multiple responsibilities.
Self-disciplined, self-reliant, and able to follow safety guidelines and standard operating procedures.
Able to operate light and possibly heavy equipment, including tractors, skid-steers, mowers, weed-eaters, trailers, and other equipment as needed.
Able to work in a physically demanding environment and varied outdoor weather conditions, including dust, extreme heat, cold, and rain.
Able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds as needed.
Able to stand, walk, lift, bend, climb, and squat as needed.
Able to complete assigned SEA training.
Able to work at least 40 hours per week on a flexible schedule that may include mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnights.
Must attach a resume to be considered.
Specialist level (Associate, Specialist, Senior, or Senior I) will be based on the candidate’s experience and skill.

Nice To Haves

College degree in Zoology, Biology, Psychology, or a related field.
Experience in animal care at an AZA or equivalent facility.
Experience and skill in operant conditioning using positive reinforcement techniques.
Fluent understanding and ability to apply fundamental and advanced positive reinforcement-driven animal training principles.
Previous public speaking experience in demonstrations or presentations.
Experience with Class I animals.
SCUBA certification and ability to complete an annual physical swim competency review.

Responsibilities

Learn and demonstrate required training and handling protocols for applicable animals in protected and/or free-contact environments.
Follow husbandry, training, safety, standard operating, and emergency response procedures for assigned zoological areas.
Engage guests through interaction programs on and off property, including public speaking.
Maintain safe animal habitats and husbandry facilities through daily cleaning, maintenance, and landscaping.
Create and administer animal enrichment to support animal wellbeing and training goals.
Apply positive reinforcement training concepts and develop training skills at each specialist level.
Assist with developing and implementing animal training projects and programs that enhance animal care, management, and guest experience.
Support animal wellbeing with attention to nutrition, reproduction, habitat, and behavior.
Support conservation breeding programs as applicable.
Participate in husbandry training for animal management procedures and work with the veterinary team as needed.
Discuss the natural history of animals in assigned areas.
Assess and report animal health, behavior, and enrichment through the TRACKS electronic record-keeping system.
Communicate professionally and constructively with teammates and management.
Mentor and develop Husbandry Assistants and Zoological Specialists as assigned.
Depending on level, participate in animal outreach presentations, including school visits, media appearances, and stage presentations.
Depending on level, maintain current animal behaviors and train new behaviors to completion under minimal supervision.
Depending on level, coach and mentor park ambassadors, contribute to their review process under mentorship, and deliver department seminars and development opportunities.
Perform other duties as assigned.