"Educational Aide"

Job Description Summary

The Santa Fe College (SF) Teaching Zoo, a unique 10-acre zoo in Gainesville, Florida, is the only zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The zoo showcases a diverse collection that contains both native and exotic species for everyone to enjoy. Visitors enjoy the Bald Eagles, White-throated capuchin monkeys, American alligators, Matschie's Tree Kangaroo and Asian small-clawed otters to name a few. These species and many other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are on display in a naturally shaded environment. The 1/4-mile trail through the wooded environment is lined with mulch and is stroller and/or wheelchair accessible.

The Educational Aide will assist Zoo faculty with their ongoing research project on introducing Augmentative Interspecies Communication (AIC) to a variety of species. The Aide will be responsible for gathering and analyzing data, modeling concepts for animals involved in the project, assisting with presentations, and other related tasks. All duties assigned are completed under supervision and with direct support and guidance. Hours per week vary at a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 25.

Questions about this position should be directed to Associate Professor, Julie Smith, at 352-395-4101 or julie.smith@sfcollege.edu.

Responsibilities and Duties Include:

• Records training sessions using zoo camera equipment.
• Collects data including welfare assessments, pre- and post-button introduction assessments, and behavior observations
• Assists with analyzing data and summarizes project results.
• Models Augmentative Interspecies Communication (AIC) with several different species including primates, parrots, and otters.
• Assists with preparing articles, reports, and presentations.
• Maintains and responds to project related email.
• Attends project meetings
• Prepares social media content.
• Provides administrative support to faculty and other staff members as needed.
• Complies with all published College Rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws/regulations governing public employees, including but not limited to those related to document retention and destruction, FERPA, and confidentiality.
• Strictly honors the privacy, security, and confidentiality of student records and other sensitive information according to appropriate state, federal, and college regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Must be a currently enrolled Santa Fe College student in the Zoo Animal Technology program, in good academic standing, taking six (6) or more credit hours. Must have experience with MS Office Suite, as well as familiarity with Windows OS. Must have a working knowledge of Operant Conditioning principles and processes.

Additional Requirements:

A criminal background check will be conducted. Satisfactory academic progress will be defined by the supervisor.

General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.
• Adaptability to Change – able to be flexible and supportive, able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment.
• Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.
• Critical Thinking & Judgement - able to make well-reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions based on careful, objective review and informed analysis of available information, considerations, and other factors.
• Ethics – able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job-related actions.
• Organization & Time Management – able to plan, schedule, and organize tasks related to the job to achieve goals within or ahead of established time frames.
• Problem Solving – proven skills in identifying issues, determining their cause, developing creative solutions, and following through with implementing resolutions.
• Relationship Management – able to personally provide high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs.
• Results Orientation – proven ability to set and exceed established targets.
• Systems & Software - proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs.
• Detail Oriented - Proven accuracy and attention to detail.
• Multi-task - Ability to expeditiously organize, coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously to swiftly assess a situation, determine a logical course of action, and apply the appropriate response.

Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. sfcollege.edu/eaeo

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to: equity.officer@sfcollege.edu

Santa Fe College reserves the right to extend deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions. Preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans.