Temporary Biologist I: Animal Ambassadors

Position Summary

The Biologist 1 Temporary position will be expected to execute routine husbandry in the area to which they are assigned. This position is expected to play a supportive role in the care of The Florida Aquarium's Animal Ambassadors collection. This collection includes a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. This position is responsible for food preparation and feeding, habitat maintenance, record keeping, and will support the team in behavioral training and public presentations. In this role, you will develop skillsets both independently, and as part of a team, in providing the highest level of animal care.

Essential Position Functions

• Provide care for a multi-taxa collection of animals in the Animal Ambassador collection and exhibits
• Observe the planning and training of Animal Ambassadors
• Participate in public presentations while interacting with guests
• Ensure accurate animal record keeping through consistent utilization of electronic record keeping system
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment
• Must be dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Assure behavior meets The Florida Aquarium's values of Respect, Trust and Excellence
• Interact with aquarium guests, donors, and team members in a positive and professional manner.
• Maintain AZA inspection readiness for exhibit, service, holding, and backup areas
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with leadership and team members

Secondary Functions

• Maintain tools and equipment necessary for the care of the collection
• Follow husbandry SOPs
• Work with volunteers and interns within scope of position
• Participate in meetings with curators, biologists and other aquarium departments
• Perform other duties as required

Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills

• Four-year degree in biology or related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered
• Knowledge of the husbandry needs of various mammals, birds, and reptiles preferred
• Public speaking experience preferred
• Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver's License

Competencies

• Customer Focus - Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listen, anticipate, and evaluate the customer's needs. Ensure that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.
• Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork - Support, facilitate, and participate in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrate sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and support team goals.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency - Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiency
• Communication (oral and written) - Effectively express ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listen to individuals and groups; prepare and focus presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; express ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
• Judgment - Decide on and commit to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; find creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; take strategic risks when necessary.

Typical Physical Requirements

• Standing (up to 2 hours per day)
• Walking (up to 4 hours per day)
• Bending/Stooping/Squatting/Kneeling/Balancing - Frequently
• Crouching/Crawling - Occasionally
• Sitting (up to 2 hours per day)
• Climbing heights (12') - Frequently
• Reaching above shoulders - Frequently
• Pushing/Pulling - Frequently
• Lifting/Carrying (up to 70 lbs.) - Occasionally
• Using hands for repetitive movements - fine manipulating
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
• Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained
• Ability to travel as needed - locally
• Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate