Mammal Care Specialist (Large Hoof Stock/Full-Time)

Are you passionate about working with elephants, rhinos, and other ungulates? The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is excited to announce an opening for a full-time Mammal Care Specialist to join our dedicated frontline animal care team. This role is essential in supporting our strategic plan by exceeding modern animal care regulations and ensuring the highest standards of animal wellbeing in the assigned areas.

• As a Mammal Care Specialist, you will have the unique opportunity to care for a diverse collection of large mammals.
• We are seeking candidates with the skills and experience to work with a wide variety of species, including large hoofed animals such as elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, kudu antelope, bongo antelope, and warthogs. Join us in making a difference for these incredible animals!

What You'll Do:  

• Animal Care:
• Monitor, inspect, feed, clean, and make minor repairs to animal enclosures. Observe/record. Maintain daily records. 

Guest Interactions:

• Enhance guest experience through engaging and educational interactions. 

Safety and Security:

• Comply with safety policies and protocols to prioritize human and animal safety.

What You Bring (all levels):

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong observational, organizational, and record-keeping skills.
• Demonstrated excellent safety record and ability to adhere to established protocols.
• Engaging communication skills for guest interaction and team collaboration.
• Ability to work a flexible training schedule for the first two weeks, which may include weekends, until training is complete. 
• A typical schedule consists of (3) three (8-hour) days and (2) two (4-hour) half-days per week
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and work in a variety of environmental conditions (rain or shine).
• Availability to start no later than July 1, 2025. Limited exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• working with large animals in human care is required, with expectations differing by level.  Please ensure that your application clearly highlights your experience and qualifications as they relate to the responsibilities of this role.   
• Experience requirements are outlined below and may include a combination of paid employment, internships, and academic practicums. When experience is unpaid, please indicate total estimated hours:
• Animal Care Specialist I
• Completion of at least 6 months (approx. 1,000 hours) of unpaid experience relevant internships, coursework, or volunteer experience with large hoof stock mammals in a zoo, sanctuary, aquarium, vet clinic, or animal science program. 
• A plus...
• Associate degree or coursework in related fields (e.g., biology, animal science, zoology) is encouraged as a foundation for growth.
• Entry-level paid experience in wildlife care in wildlife care at an AZA accredited or similar institution, preferred. 
• Animal Care Specialist II 
• At least 2 years (approx. 4,000 hours) of paid experience providing direct care to large animals in a professional setting such as an AZA-accredited zoo or similar facility working with large hoof stock, mammals. 
• Demonstrated competency in husbandry, behavioral observation, enrichment, and recordkeeping.
• A solid foundation in animal care ready to mentor junior staff.
• A plus...
• Associate degree or coursework in related fields (e.g., biology, animal science, zoology) is encouraged as a foundation for growth.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related life science and/or advanced degrees, certifications, or specialized training in mammal care or wildlife management.
• Senior Animal Care Specialist:
• At least 5 years (approx. 10,000+ hours) of paid, progressively responsible experience working with large animals in professional animal care settings.
• Demonstrated leadership in care procedures, training programs, safety management, and mentorship.
• Proven leadership experience, including mentoring, training, or supervising animal care staff.
• A plus: 
• Associate degree or coursework in related fields (e.g., biology, animal science, zoology) is encouraged as a foundation for growth.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related life science and/or advanced degrees, certifications, or specialized training in mammal care or wildlife management.
• Extensive paid experience working with mammals in AZA-accredited or comparable institutions.

​PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to safely operate motorized cart, trucks, hand, and power tools.
• Ability to transport and move items up to 50 pounds frequently for short distances.
• Ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium while performing various jobs.
• Ability to consistently remain on your feet for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to access and navigate each department at the organization on foot and/or operate a motorized cart.
• Exceptional visual acuity required, along with the ability to communicate, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio.
• Manual dexterity for standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing.
• Grasp, turn, and manipulate objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Visual and auditory acuity appropriate for safety.
• We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations
• EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

Salary

• Compensation depends on experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities between $17.30- $21..31