Educational Aide, Teaching Zoo Commissary

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 Commissary Educational Aide plays a vital role in supporting the nutritional and operational needs of the animal collection under supervision. The Aide focuses on preparing and evaluating animal diets, managing inventory, and maintaining the overall organization and cleanliness of the commissary. All duties assigned are completed under supervision and with direct support and guidance from Zoo staff.

Job Description

Responsibilities and Duties Include:

• Prepares and evaluates daily animal's diets in accordance with established protocols.
• Manages inventory of food and supplies, including tracking usage and restocking items.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of the commissary, refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas.
• Performs regular commissary chores, including dishwashing, sweeping, and sanitation tasks.
• Ensures quality control in food preparation and storage.
• Provides care for invertebrates housed within the commissary.
• Assists with regular maintenance and upkeep of the commissary building.
• Enters commissary data into software programs as needed, which includes diet sheets, inventory, and nutritional information.
• Assists with public interactions and guest experiences on an as needed basis.
• Work in a professional manor with all Zoo Animal Technology students and staff.
• 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.

Reports to: General Zoo Curator

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. Some knowledge of the SF Teaching Zoo’s animal collection is a must.

Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted. Satisfactory academic progress will be determined by the supervisor.

Preferred: Currently taking or have taken courses in animal welfare and/or experience in a Zoo environment.