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BGBusch Gardens
Busch GardensTheme Park & Zoo

Zoological Specialist

Location

Tampa, Florida, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

2-5 years

Compensation

$15 - $22 per hour

Posted

57m ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Zoological Specialist provides consistent care and training to a wide variety of animal species at Busch Gardens Tampa. This role involves implementing husbandry, training, and safety protocols, creating enrichment, and assisting with animal training projects to enhance animal wellbeing and guest experience, often requiring public speaking and guest interaction.

  • Veldt: Hoofstock, rhinos, birds

  • Birds West: Birds, kangaroos, wallabies

  • Birds East: Penguins, reptiles

  • Jungala: Orangutans, tigers

  • Edge of Africa: Lions, hyenas, hippos

  • Cheetah: Cheetahs

  • Myombe: Chimpanzees, gorillas

  • Animal Connections: Ambassador animals

  • Pantopia/Wild Oasis: Presentation animals, capybara, giant anteater, squirrel monkeys, birds

  • Outback: Animals housed for medical/breeding needs

  • Elephant: Elephants

Essential Duties

  • Follow animal husbandry, training, handling, safety, and emergency-response protocols, including protected and/or free-contact procedures.

  • Provide exceptional guest experiences through educational programs, interactions, public speaking, and outreach.

  • Maintain safe, clean, and functional animal habitats and facilities, including landscaping and daily maintenance.

  • Develop and administer enrichment supporting animal welfare and training goals.

  • Apply positive-reinforcement training principles and assist with advanced training programs.

  • Support animal-care, management, nutrition, reproduction, habitat, and behavioral programs.

  • Support conservation breeding initiatives as applicable.

Requirements

  • Must be 18+ years old.

  • Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving requirements.

  • Positive, team-oriented attitude with a commitment to professional growth.

  • Strong written, verbal, observational, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong public-speaking, presentation, guest-service, and conservation-education skills.

  • Self-disciplined, dependable, decisive, and committed to safety.

  • Ability to operate equipment such as tractors, skid-steers, mowers, weed-eaters, trailers, and other tools.

  • Ability to work outdoors in varied conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and dust.

  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, squat, and perform other physical tasks as required.

  • Ability to follow all area-specific SOPs and complete required SEA training.

  • Flexibility to work across animal areas based on business needs and career development.

  • Ability to work 40+ hours per week, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnight shifts.

  • Resume must be attached to the application.

Compensation: $15–$22/hour, depending on level and qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Degree in zoology, biology, psychology, or related field.

  • Animal-care experience at an AZA-accredited or equivalent facility.

  • Experience applying operant conditioning and positive-reinforcement training.

  • Strong understanding of fundamental and advanced animal-training principles.

  • Public speaking or presentation experience.

  • Experience working with Class I animals.

  • SCUBA certification and ability to complete annual swim competency requirements.

Benefits & Perks

  • Paid Time Off and Floating Holidays

  • Complimentary employee park tickets and passes

  • Park discounts on food and merchandise

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Life and disability insurance

  • Voluntary insurance options

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • Dependent and health care flexible spending accounts

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Legal Assistance Plan.

Updated 57m ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Care • 1+ yrs
Animal Training • 1+ yrs
Positive Reinforcement • 1+ yrs
Public Speaking • 1+ yrs
Communication • 1+ yrs
Observational Skills • 1+ yrs
Problem-Solving • 1+ yrs
Teamwork • 1+ yrs

Experience

2-5 years

Certifications

Valid driver’s license • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

$15 - $22 per hour

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodHourly

Benefits and perks

Vision Insurance

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationTampa, Florida, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleHigh8/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveHigh8/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium7/10
uncertaintyMedium6/10
communicationHigh9/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Busch Gardens

Team size

Growing team

Location

Tampa, Florida, United States

Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!

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Zoological Specialist

Tampa, Florida, United StatesFull Time