Position: Conservation Zoologist
Status: Full Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt
Department: Conservation
Reports to: Senior Conservation Manager
POSITION OVERVIEW
Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) is best known for its flagship campus, Brevard Zoo, an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. ECZF is also known for its large portfolio of conservation projects, including endangered species breeding, imperiled species rehabilitation, wide-scale habitat restoration and monitoring of threatened species.
The Conservation Zoologist is responsible for completing the daily care of the animals in ECZF’s conservation animal collection, as well as the maintenance of animal habitats and enclosures. This position will participate in field work related to our conservation animal species, as assigned, and will communicate with partners, coworkers, volunteers, guests, and the public effectively and professionally to achieve program goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
- Experience participating in field work.
- Experience working with a variety of species of Florida wildlife.
- Experience with animal husbandry.
- Bachelor’s degree in related field (Biology, Conservation, Marine Sciences, Wildlife Conservation, etc.) or relevant experience.
PREFERRED / DESIRED:
- Experience working with volunteers and partners.
- Experience working with manatees, small mammals, birds, or reptiles.
- Experience working for an AZA institution.
- Experience in informal science interpretation.
- Experience in grant writing and reporting.
- Experience working on animal life support systems.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- The following reflects ECZF’s definition of essential functions for this position but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. ECZF may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
- Responsible for husbandry of ECZF’s conservation animal collection, including but not limited to Florida manatees, Perdido Key beach mice, sea turtles, and Florida grasshopper sparrows. General husbandry includes but is not limited to preparing diets, feeding, cleaning habitats, training, enrichment, daily health, and welfare observations.
- Be available to perform after-hours on-call duties (typically 4:30pm – 8:00pm), several nights per week.
- Support the Conservation Manager in the implementation of the “day captain” program to supervise volunteers and manage the husbandry needs of patients, including: overseeing and continuously assessing animal husbandry; operating, overseeing, and maintaining life support systems, tanks, and equipment in rehabilitation areas; developing and implementing husbandry training plans for staff, interns, and volunteers; and maintaining awareness of volunteer shift schedule and directly supervising husbandry volunteers.
- Maintain thorough and meticulous patient medical records daily, including treatments, diet logs, bloodwork, necropsy, and other records.
- Understand and strictly adhere to all state and federal permit requirements.
- Depending on staffing, additional duties may occasionally include: obtaining diagnostic samples (including blood collection) at the direction of veterinarians; performing laboratory duties such as fecal parasite evaluation and preparing biomedical samples for shipment; obtaining radiographic images and assisting veterinary technicians during CT scans; assisting with setup, breakdown, cleaning, and sterilization of laboratory and surgical equipment; assisting with anesthesia, monitoring, medical procedures, and post-procedure care; and performing or assisting with euthanasia, necropsy, tissue processing, and carcass removal under the direction of veterinarians. Administering medications and other treatments as directed.
- Responsible for minor habitat repair and maintenance; maintain water testing and data entry for life support systems for manatee and sea turtle, including filtration maintenance.
- Assist team in exams and banding/tagging for all breeding populations; perform daily health checks and care for all animals in the conservation collection.
- Establish and maintain relationships with project partners, including but not limited to working groups, federal and state agencies, and NGOs.
- Assist with grant writing, reporting, and compliance as requested.
- Assist with animal rescues, collections, health assessments, transports, and releases, as needed.
- Lead outreach opportunities within ECZF, in the community, and at schools, both as formal presentations and tabling events.
- Accurately input and maintain daily records; willingness and ability to follow the guidance of the management team to ensure ECZF’s standards of animal wellbeing are maintained at all times.
- Interdepartmental coordination in planning, leading, or assisting with conservation and other ECZF-related programs, to include assisting other departments as needed.
- Provide opportunities for interns to gain knowledge in the field of conservation; collaborate with existing project partners and establish new partnerships.
- Provide media support for ECZF representation when PR needs arise; work as part of the larger ECZF team, working cooperatively with other ECZF staff.
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Excellent understanding of animal behavior and operant conditioning.
- Knowledge of Florida’s flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
- Ability to successfully and confidently care for all species of animals independently.
- Background in and passion for wildlife, nature, conservation, and sustainability.
- Ability to write reports and assist with grant writing.
- Ability to work efficiently and professionally with partners; strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to oversee projects.
- Ability to follow all ECZF standard operating procedures (SOPs); ability to work in ZIMS, Microsoft, and Adobe programs.
- Strong presentation, written, and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; a positive, flexible, and proactive attitude.
- Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and demonstrate a strong work ethic; ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Valid driver’s license and safe driving record; willingness to obtain any and all certifications and licenses necessary.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening, weekend, and holiday work, as well as coverage for emergencies, as needed; ability to work outside in the Florida environment for long periods of time.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Requirements
(H) Heavy Work — Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Potential Environmental Conditions / Hazards
This position will spend approximately 60% of their time outside and 40% inside, though this is completely dependent on season, weather, and specific yearly program goals. Ability to work for extended periods of time in Florida weather is required. Associated hazards include but are not limited to extreme heat and humidity, rain, mosquitos, stingrays, etc. Requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and lifting, as well as finger dexterity, and the ability to talk, hear, and see.
Work Schedule
Will be required to work weekends, nights, and holidays as needed.
Travel
Travel is required for field work, occasionally requiring overnight stay.
The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with ECZF’s policies on evaluation of personnel.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
East Coast Zoological Society of Florida, Inc., dba Brevard Zoo, is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, transfer, termination, or any other terms and conditions of employment.
Employees and applicants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, and retaliation for reporting such concerns is strictly prohibited.
Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.
