Animal Health Coordinator

Provides administrative and operational support to the Animal Health Department while contributing to exceptional animal care and departmental efficiency. This role serves as the primary administrative resource for the veterinary team, coordinating scheduling, records management, purchasing, travel, and regulatory documentation. Additionally, assists veterinary staff with hospital operations, supports animal care and nutrition teams as needed, and helps maintain a safe, organized, and professional work environment.

Responsibilities

Administrative Support

• Manage Outlook calendars, appointments, and departmental correspondence.
• Coordinate meetings, reserve conference rooms and vehicles through SharePoint, and provide general administrative support.
• Maintain office supplies and order materials as needed.
• Update daily hospital reception boards to reflect veterinary staffing and hospitalized animal census.
• Maintain organized electronic and hard-copy medical records, including laboratory reports.
• Submit work orders, IT requests, catering requests, and facility service requests.
• Process invoices and employee travel reimbursements in partnership with the Finance Department.
• Assist with acquisition and disposition documentation, including Certificates of Veterinary Inspection and verification of state transport requirements.
• Coordinate communication with veterinary student externship candidates.
• Assist with departmental shipping using USPS, FedEx, and UPS.
• Maintain clean, organized front office, meeting, and shared break spaces.
• Assist with maintaining required state operating permits, registrations, and regulatory postings.

Veterinary & Hospital Support

• Assist veterinary staff with medical procedures and approved research projects.
• Prepare and clean procedure areas before and after treatments.
• Help maintain veterinary equipment, hospital cleanliness, and proper equipment storage.
• Support veterinary technicians with departmental operations as assigned.

Animal Care Support

• Assist animal care staff by feeding and watering animals as departmental needs require.
• Administer medications under approved protocols.
• Clean habitats and maintain exhibits.
• Assist with enrichment and animal training activities.
• Monitor and document animal behavior, health, and wellbeing.

Animal Nutrition Center Support

• Assist Animal Nutrition Center staff by preparing diets for the Zoo's animal collection as needed.
• Weigh and measure food accurately.
• Monitor food quality.
• Maintain sanitation standards for food preparation areas, equipment, and utensils.
• Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all Zoo safety policies and procedures with a focus on both human and animal safety.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, including security concerns and animal escapes.
• Maintain biosecurity, animal containment, and handling protocols.
• Support compliance with applicable regulatory agencies and accreditation standards, including AZA, USDA, OSHA, DEA, FWC, and the Florida Department of Health.
• Maintain inspection readiness at all times.

Professional Expectations

• Represent Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens professionally in all interactions.
• Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and sound judgment.
• Practice responsible stewardship of organizational resources, equipment, and supplies.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative workplace.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving ability.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respectful workplace interactions.

Technical Knowledge

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
• Ability to learn and use systems such as ZIMS, Paycom, GlobalVetLink, and other department software.
• Working knowledge of animal care regulations and professional standards preferred.
• Basic understanding of conservation and animal wellbeing principles.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One to two years of administrative experience and/or experience in an animal care, veterinary, or related field.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be at least 18 years of age to operate Zoo vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in business, Communications, Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Animal Nutrition, or a related field.
• Veterinary Technician certification.
• Experience working with wildlife in a professional managed care environment.
• Food preparation or food handling experience.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly stand and walk for extended periods.
• Navigate stairs, ladders, uneven terrain, and outdoor work environments.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach.
• Use fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Read, write, communicate effectively, and observe surroundings.
• Operate Zoo vehicles, carts, and other equipment.

Working Conditions

• Indoor and outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Exposure to wildlife, loud noises, cleaning chemicals, equipment, heights, and biological materials.
• Potential exposure to allergens including dust, pollen, and animal dander.
• Occasional local travel may be required.