Educational Aide, Teaching Zoo Commissary

Santa Fe College (SF) Teaching Zoo is a unique 10-acre zoo located on a college campus in Gainesville, Florida. It is the only zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) on a college campus. The zoo features a diverse collection of native and exotic species, including Bald Eagles, White-throated capuchin monkeys, American alligators, Matschie's Tree Kangaroo, and Asian small-clawed otters. The 1/4-mile trail through the wooded environment is stroller and wheelchair accessible.

About the role

The Commissary Educational Aide plays a vital role in supporting the nutritional and operational needs of the animal collection under supervision. The Aide focuses on preparing and evaluating animal diets, managing inventory, and maintaining the overall organization and cleanliness of the commissary. All duties are completed under supervision and with direct support and guidance from Zoo staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and evaluates daily animal diets in accordance with established protocols.
• Manages inventory of food and supplies, including tracking usage and restocking items.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of the commissary, refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas.
• Performs regular commissary chores, including dishwashing, sweeping, and sanitation tasks.
• Ensures quality control in food preparation and storage.
• Provides care for invertebrates housed within the commissary.
• Assists with regular maintenance and upkeep of the commissary building.
• Enters commissary data into software programs as needed, including diet sheets, inventory, and nutritional information.
• Assists with public interactions and guest experiences on an as-needed basis.
• Works professionally with all Zoo Animal Technology students and staff.
• Complies with all published College Rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws/regulations governing public employees, including those related to document retention, FERPA, and confidentiality.
• Strictly honors the privacy, security, and confidentiality of student records and other sensitive information.
• Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reports to: General Zoo Curator

Requirements

• Must be a currently enrolled Santa Fe College student in the Zoo Animal Technology program, in good academic standing, taking six (6) or more credit hours.
• Some knowledge of the SF Teaching Zoo’s animal collection is required.
• A criminal background check will be conducted.
• Satisfactory academic progress will be determined by the supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently taking or have taken courses in animal welfare.
• Experience in a zoo environment.

Skills

• Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.
• Adaptability to change – able to be flexible and supportive in a rapidly growing environment.
• Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner.
• Critical Thinking & Judgement – able to make well-reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions.
• Ethics – able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and high ethics.
• Organization & Time Management – able to plan, schedule, and organize tasks to achieve goals.
• Problem Solving – proven skills in identifying issues and developing creative solutions.
• Relationship Management – able to build relationships and address identified needs.
• Results Orientation – proven ability to set and exceed established targets.
• Systems & Software – proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant position software programs.
• Detail Oriented – proven accuracy and attention to detail.
• Multi-tasking – ability to organize, coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.