Herps & Aquatics Keeper 1

Position Overview

Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. It is also home to the Sea Turtle Healing Center for rehabilitation of wild marine turtles. Brevard Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation ethic and unique attractions, such as kayaking through the Africa area, giraffe feeding, rhinoceros and various other animal encounters.

Qualifications

• One year of zoo keeping experience in an AZA accredited facility.
• Bachelor’s or associate degree in related field.
• Valid State of Florida driver’s license.
• Must be flexible with schedule including holidays, weekends, evenings, and during emergency situations.
• Must be willing to work in inclement weather including temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and high humidity.

Preferred/Desired

• Venomous experience.
• Dive experience.
• Crocodilian experience.

Performance Responsibilities

Provide general husbandry for all animals in the Herps/Aquatics section. This includes cleaning animal habitats, preparing diets, training, enrichment, and observing animal health and welfare daily. Responsible for minor habitat repair and maintenance. Knowledgeable and comfortable working with all species in this area on a regular basis (training provided). Accurately maintain and complete daily records. Responsible for the training of additional staff and interns. Must be willing to work through and be cleared through Brevard Zoo to breath hold/snorkel dive in aquariums throughout the zoo. Must be willing to be trained and participate in Open Water SCUBA diving in aquariums throughout the zoo. Willing to work with and under the guidance of Animal Management to ensure Brevard Zoo’s standards of animal wellbeing are always being maintained.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• An excellent understanding of animal behavior and operant conditioning.
• Speaks intelligently and diplomatically with co-workers, volunteers, and guests.
• Initiates and writes accurate reports and manages assigned projects.
• Able to follow all Zoo standard operation procedures.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Physical Requirements (M): Medium Work Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects as needed to move objects.
• Potential Environmental Conditions/Hazards: Exposure to extreme heat and weather conditions. Requires Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, Finger Dexterity, Talking, Hearing, and Visual Acuity frequently.
• Work Schedule: May be required to work weekends, holidays, and nights as necessary.