What are the responsibilities and job description for the Temporary Africa Apprentice Keeper position at Brevard Zoo?
Position: Temporary Africa Apprentice Keeper
Status: FLSA Full-Time, Hourly Non-Exempt
Department: Animal
Reports to: Animal Curator
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, and rhinoceros and various other animal encounters.
This position is a temporary position that will run until December 31, 2026 and is responsible for the daily care of the animals in the Africa section of the Zoo – including husbandry, training, enrichment, and habitat maintenance. Animals in this area include giraffes, zebras, impala, ostrich, and other animals as assigned. Must be able to work as an integral part of the zoo team and communicate effectively with co-workers, management, and guests.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Physical Requirements
(H) Heavy Work
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Potential Environmental Conditions/Hazards
Indoor office environment most often with frequent movement outdoors. 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 and nights as necessary.
TRAVEL: May be asked to travel The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Zoo’s policies on evaluation of personnel. Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement East Coast Zoological Society of Florida, Inc., dba Brevard Zoo, is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, transfer, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment. Employees and applicants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, and retaliation for reporting such concerns is strictly prohibited. Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.
Status: FLSA Full-Time, Hourly Non-Exempt
Department: Animal
Reports to: Animal Curator
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, and rhinoceros and various other animal encounters.
This position is a temporary position that will run until December 31, 2026 and is responsible for the daily care of the animals in the Africa section of the Zoo – including husbandry, training, enrichment, and habitat maintenance. Animals in this area include giraffes, zebras, impala, ostrich, and other animals as assigned. Must be able to work as an integral part of the zoo team and communicate effectively with co-workers, management, and guests.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
- 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.
- Zoo keeping internship or equivalent experience in an AZA accredited facility.
- Associate degree or higher from a recognized college or university
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provide general husbandry for all animals in the assigned section. This includes cleaning animal habitats, preparing diets, training, enrichment, and observing animal health and welfare daily.
- Accurately maintain and complete daily records.
- Willing to work with and under the guidance of Animal Management to ensure Brevard Zoo’s standards of animal wellbeing are always being maintained.
- Willing to work with and under guidance of Animal Management to ensure Brevard Zoo’s standards of animal wellbeing are always being maintained.
- Must have an 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.
- Ability to follow all Zoo standard operation procedures.
Physical Requirements
(H) Heavy Work
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Potential Environmental Conditions/Hazards
Indoor office environment most often with frequent movement outdoors. 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 and nights as necessary.
TRAVEL: May be asked to travel The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Zoo’s policies on evaluation of personnel. Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement East Coast Zoological Society of Florida, Inc., dba Brevard Zoo, is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, transfer, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment. Employees and applicants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, and retaliation for reporting such concerns is strictly prohibited. Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.