Educational Aide, Teaching Zoo Project Assistant

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.

As a Project Assistant, you will play a role in assisting the Zoo staff. This support includes helping to maintain habitats, keeping up Zoo grounds, and assisting with various other projects. The successful candidates will be self-motivated and be excellent team players and must be currently enrolled SF students in the Zoo Animal Technology program.

Job Description

Responsibilities and Duties Include:

• Assists curators with habitat repair and maintenance as well as construction and demolition.
• Operates power tools in a safe and effective manner with oversight from Zoo staff which includes power drills and saws after proper training is completed.
• Landscaping duties that can include mowing, trimming, weeding, and planting.
• Assists curators with veterinary needs, including capture and restraint of animal collection, giving medications, and animal transport.
• Assists with pest control operations on zoo grounds with oversight from Zoo staff which includes replacing rodent blocks in bait boxes.
• 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.

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