The Biologist 2 is responsible for all aspects of husbandry in the area to which they are assigned. This position is expected to play a primary role in caring for and managing The Florida Aquarium’s Animal Ambassadors collection. This collection includes a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. This position is responsible for food preparation, feeding, habitat maintenance, record keeping, behavioral training, environmental enrichment, and public presentations. They are expected to operate with minimal supervision and serve as a mentor to their coworkers, specifically regarding the management and care of the Florida Aquarium’s Animal Ambassador collection.
Essential Position Functions
- Provide care for a multi-taxa collection of animals in the Animal Ambassador collection and exhibits
- Plan and execute behavioral training and environmental enrichment with the Animal Ambassadors
- Participate in public presentations while interacting with guests and animals
- Participate in offsite animal encounters, presenting both on and off camera
- Foster a collaborative team environment through clear communication, leadership, and mentorship
- Act as a mentor for Biologists, Interns, and Volunteers in the development of job skills relating to general husbandry of animals, exhibit maintenance, behavioral changes, medication administration, record keeping, animal training, and enrichment
- Ensure accurate animal record keeping through consistent utilization of electronic record keeping system
- Able to work effectively in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment
- Ability to manage stress while engaged in complex situations such as feeding, transferring, or restraining animals
- Capable of making immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff, or the public
- 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
- Communicate ideas for exhibit improvements and modifications independently
- Execute behavior shaping plans for terrestrial animals
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with leadership and team members
- Support TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis
Secondary Functions
- Maintain tools and equipment necessary for the care of the collection
- Follow husbandry standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Work with volunteers and interns within scope of position
- Participate in meetings with curators, biologists and other aquarium departments
Perform all other duties as required
- Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills
- Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a zoological facility working with terrestrial animals
- Four-year degree in biology or related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered
- Experience in the care of various birds including penguins and birds of prey preferred
- Experience in the care of various marine and terrestrial mammals preferred
- Knowledge of animal record keeping systems (ZIMS/Tracks) preferred
- Public speaking experience preferred
- Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
- SCUBA certification required
- 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 listens, anticipates and evaluates 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
- Operating machinery
- Ability to work in varying climates, both indoors and outdoors
- Ability to travel as needed — locally and/or nationally
- Ability to operate in the field
- Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate
Perks
- Medical, Vision, Dental, Retirement Savings, EAP and more!
