Animal Educator & Attendant
Sarasota Jungle Gardens Inc · Sarasota, FL · 5 mo ago
On-siteSalesFull-time
Animal Educator
An Animal Educator is responsible for developing and delivering engaging educational programs and presentations about animals, conservation, and environmental topics. This role helps foster public awareness, appreciation, and responsible stewardship of wildlife and natural resources.
- Develop and present educational programs for schools, camps, tours, and public events.
- Handle and present live animals safely in front of audiences of various ages.
- Educate guests on animal biology, behavior, habitats, and conservation efforts.
- Auxiliary in creating interpretive signage, displays, and educational materials.
- Support animal care staff with daily husbandry duties as needed.
- Maintain accurate program attendance and animal use records.
- Engage with guests to answer questions and encourage conservation action.
- Comply with all safety and regulatory standards regarding animal handling and public interaction.
Animal Attendant
An Animal Attendant is responsible for the daily care, feeding, and welfare of animals in a zoo, sanctuary, rehabilitation, or educational facility. They ensure animals' needs are met while maintaining clean, safe, and enriching environments.
- Feed, water, and monitor animals according to established diets and schedules.
- Clean and sanitize enclosures, habitats, and work areas.
- Observe animal behavior and health; report abnormalities or concerns to supervisors or veterinarians.
- Auxiliary in administering medications and following treatment plans under supervision.
- Provide environmental enrichment to promote physical and mental well-being.
- Maintain accurate records of animal diets, behavior, and health observations.
- Auxiliary in animal training and handling for educational or husbandry purposes.
- Support guest engagement by answering questions and promoting responsible wildlife care.
- Follow all safety procedures and biosecurity protocols.
- Operate and maintain cleaning, feeding, and safety equipment.
Qualifications
- Strong public speaking and communication skills.
- Experience with animal handling and interpretation.
- Knowledge of zoology, wildlife conservation, or environmental education.
- Ability to adapt programs for different audiences and age groups.
Requirements
- Experience working with animals in a professional or volunteer capacity.
- Basic understanding of animal behavior and welfare principles.
- Attention to detail and ability to follow specific care instructions.
- Physical ability to lift, bend, and perform manual labor in various weather conditions.
- Compassion, patience, and strong work ethic.