Job Description

Job Summary

The hourly rate for this position is $17.67. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is a unique, 10‑acre zoo in Gainesville, Florida, and is the only zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Home to over 70 species of animals, maintained by SF students in the Zoo Animal Technology program, the zoo showcases a diverse collection of native and exotic species. The Part‑Time Assistant Curator is responsible for maintaining animal records, permits, and transaction reports, and for tracking, ordering, and maintaining food, commissary supplies, equipment, and tools with the Full‑Time Assistant Curator. In tandem with the General Zoo Curator and Assistant Curator peers, this position oversees the general operations of the SF Teaching Zoo, ensuring a safe and satisfactory experience for visitors and staff. The position provides functional supervision to ensure the highest standards of animal care and welfare, exhibitry, visitor satisfaction, and safety, and supplies operational assistance and technical guidance to Zookeepers as required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations to ensure the highest standards of animal care, welfare, exhibitry, visitor satisfaction, and safety.
• Provide operational assistance and technical guidance to Zookeepers.
• Assist with animal collection tasks: transporting animals to and from the UF Veterinary College, picking up and administering medications, and assisting in animal capture and restraint.
• Assist with animal acquisition and disposition planning: preparing permits, establishing care parameters.
• Coordinate and monitor domestic and international animal transactions, ensuring compliance with laws and industry standards.
• Collaborate with Curators and Veterinarians to develop and adjust animal diets based on specific needs.
• Maintain enrichment programs, approve novel enrichment, update resources, and modify processes to align with industry standards.
• Enter animal data into the Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS) database and prepare institutional data for studbook reports, questionnaires, surveys, and Species Survival Plan updates.
• Order, inventory, and track all expendable supplies including grain, produce, meat, and insects.
• Assist in executing special zoo events such as Boo at the Zoo and Party for the Planet.
• Comply with all published College rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws governing public employees.
• Provide customer service by engaging courteously, informed, accessible, and professional.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required: Associate degree in Zoo Animal Technology or related field plus two years experience, or equivalent education and experience totaling four years.
• Preferred: Prior experience at an AZA accredited or certified facility.
• Knowledge of husbandry across all taxa, natural histories, behavior, nutrition, zoonotic diseases, preventative medication, basic biology and psychology, and AZA standards.
• Familiarity with animal care software, specifically ZIMS360.

Additional Requirements

• Criminal background check will be conducted.
• Holder of a valid Florida Class E driver license, authorized to drive for the college.

General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Work successfully in a multicultural environment.
• Adaptability to change—flexible, supportive, and proactive in rapid growth environments.
• Effective communication—professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful, using the preferred method and level.
• Critical thinking and judgment—make well‑reasoned, sensible, timely decisions based on objective review and analysis.
• Customer service—respond promptly and courteously to inquiries from students and faculty.
• Ethics—demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and high ethics in all job‑related actions.
• Organization and time management—plan, schedule, and organize tasks to achieve goals within or ahead of time frames.
• Problem solving—identify issues, determine causes, develop creative solutions, and implement resolutions.
• Relationship management—build relationships, provide high level of interactive service, and address identified needs.
• Results orientation—set and exceed established targets.
• Systems and software—proficient in Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs.
• Detail oriented—accuracy and attention to detail.
• Multi‑tasking—expeditiously coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

EEO Statement

Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. sfcollege.edu/eaeo Inquiries regarding non‑discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to: equity.officer@sfcollege.edu.

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