Animal Care Specialist (Sunken Gardens) Position Available In Pinellas, Florida

Animal Care Specialist (Sunken Gardens) 3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars Saint Petersburg, FL Sunken Gardens is seeking a full-time animal care professional. Sunken Gardens is home to a diverse collection of species including flamingos, parrots, and tortoises. Work involves performing the responsible care, cleaning, moving, and feeding of large birds, turtles, and fish that reside in the botanical gardens. Work also includes participating in educational programs, explaining garden attractions, answering public inquiries, and communicating with the public; maintenance and care of animal exhibits and the recently completed animal care center; and conducting behavioral observations, record keeping, animal enrichment and training, and assisting veterinary staff. An employee in this class will work primarily outside, at times under inclement weather conditions. This position will be assigned to work a varied schedule that may include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Salary:

$19.39 – $29.45

Hourly Close Date:

05-15-2025 (11:59 PM) To Qualify Minimum Qualifications.

Applicants must:

Possess a valid high school diploma or GED equivalency. Possess and continue to maintain a valid Driver License. Possess two or more years’ experience at a zoological institution or animal care facility. Possess some knowledge of husbandry requirements, prevention of zoonotic diseases, and basic nutrition requirements for a variety of animals to include birds, turtles, and fish. Be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Are highly skilled in providing excellent customer service. Be able to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Acknowledge this position is designated as Emergency Critical (EC) and if hired into the position, you must be immediately available to the department before, during, and after a declared emergency and/or disaster. Desirable Qualifications.

Preferred applicants:

Possess a valid Associate’s Degree in biology, zoology or a related field. Have some supervisory experience. Have some experience working with and coordinating volunteers. Selection Process

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For purposes of employment, re-employment, promotion, transfer or demotion, the most qualified applicants will be selected to continue in the hiring process. At this point, any prior criminal records will be verified. A prior criminal record will not necessarily disqualify a selected applicant from employment. The City of St. Petersburg is committed to a Drug Free Workplace and compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing rules. Applicants may be required to successfully complete pre-employment drug testing and/or medical exams. How To Apply Apply online at www.stpete.org/jobs – Select See Open Jobs . City employees must use the Current City Employee link or use a City computer to access iRecruitment Employee Candidate. The City of St. Petersburg is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity employment, and encourages individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply for posted positions. In accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes, qualified servicemembers/veterans and the spouses/family members of certain servicemembers/veterans receive preference/priority in employment. Eligible applicants are responsible to apply for Veterans’ Preference at the time of submission of any job application. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to apply, to interview for positions and to perform the essential job functions.