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
Experience
2-5 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$15 - $22 per hour
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
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 States • Full Time