Florida Aquarium
Position Summary
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
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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
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