Find & Apply For Zoologist / Wildlife Biologist Jobs in Sarasota, Florida

An Aquarium Biologist I - Mammals, Reptiles and Birds should have a proven interest in pursuing a career in animal husbandry in a public aquarium. An Aquarium Biologist serves as an animal care specialist assisting in the overall health, care, training, and enrichment of the animals in the department. The animals under the care of this position include manatees, river otters, sea turtles, penguins, small reptiles, and a variety of fish and sharks. The Aquarium Biologist I must demonstrate excellent communication, people handling skills, and animal care skills. Aquarium Biologist II - Mammals and Reptiles must be willing to work with potentially dangerous animals and be able to capture and restrain animals in the event it is necessary. Annual tb testing will be required. General Duties Daily assist in all aspects of animal care, training, and research within the aquarium. Animal maintenance tasks may include but are not limited to; preparation of food (including medicated and special diets), cleaning of staff and animal areas, performing water quality tests and evaluation of these tests with corrective measures if necessary, conducting regular SCUBA assisted diving for exhibit maintenance and cleaning, conducting training sessions, and narrating public training sessions. Other tasks related to animal care may include daily record keeping, maintenance of life support equipment, participation in the program development process, keeping work areas clean and equipment organized, training and overseeing interns and/or volunteers, participating in education and outreach efforts, and other duties as assigned. This position may offer participation in continuing education, which would involve travelling to out-of-town locations. All employees must comply with the requirements outlined in the Mote Employee Policy Manual.

Labor Category:

Non-Exempt (Federal Fair Labor Standards Act) The normal work week for a full-time employee should not exceed forty hours. Any overtime must be pre-approved by supervisor.

Working Hours:

Normal working hours may vary but are currently between 7:00 and 6:00, with one hour for lunch and will include weekend and holiday shifts. This normal work schedule may vary to meet the needs of the animals and or program demands. Occasionally longer daily hours or evening hours may be required to complete specific tasks.

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid Florida Driver's License, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire
• Open Water SCUBA Diver certification or the ability to attain it in 6 months, ability to complete in-house swim test and rescue scuba skills
• First Aid, CPR, and AED Certified or the ability to attain them in 30 days
• Participation in annual tuberculosis testing Education Bachelor's degree in a science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and

Experience Experience:

Employment or internships at a zoo, aquarium, or related institution is required. Experience working with species in our Mammal and Reptile collection is preferred. Candidate must have experience and knowledge of animal husbandry and positive reinforcement training techniques. Skills

• Perform routine tasks accurately and efficiently
• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
• Possess time management skills
• Utilize independent judgment to address basic husbandry issues
• Capable of working with PVC pipe, fittings, solvent cement, epoxy and resins
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access
• Working knowledge of mammal and reptile husbandry, positive reinforcement training and enrichment techniques and practices
• Experienced performing public narrations
• Ability to carry out animal husbandry and training plans Physical
• Ability to work outside in hot/humid Florida weather conditions
• Ability to spend much of the workday walking, standing, bending and lifting
• Capable of climbing and working from ladders
• Tolerance to work around noisy machinery & equipment
• Ability to work in confined spaces
• Tolerance for the smell of fish and animal feces
• Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. overhead
• Capable of working around chlorine and other sanitizing chemicals
• Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes every day
• Ability to capture and restrain animals
• Visual acuity is required including the ability to distinguish color variations

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Describe your knowledge of mammal and reptile husbandry.

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

CPR Certification (Preferred) First Aid Certification (Preferred) Open Water Dive Certification (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person