Mammal Care Specialist II ((Large Mammal / Hoof Stock)

Jacksonville Zoo and GardensJacksonville , FL

job_description.job_card.variable_days_ago

serp_jobs.job_preview.job_type

serp_jobs.job_card.full_time

job_description.job_card.job_description

Application Deadline : Applications will be accepted to be open until September 24, 2025 , or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well-qualified candidate pool has been established. Early submission is encouraged. Are you passionate about working with elephants, rhinos, and other ungulates ? At Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, we’re on a mission to "Connect the community to wildlife with wild places". We’re seeking a full-time, Mammal Care Specialist II to join our dedicated animal care team. This role is essential in supporting our strategic plan by exceeding modern animal care regulations and ensuring the highest standards of animal wellbeing in the assigned areas. As a Mammal Care Specialist II, you will have the unique opportunity to care for a diverse collection of large mammals, including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras , antelope, and warthogs. We’re looking for candidates with two (2) years experience caring for large mammal species in a zoological, sanctuary, or wildlife rehabilitation setting. Join us in making a difference for these incredible animals, ensuring their health, happiness, and thriving futures. What You'll Do :

Ensure Safety & Security : Follow all zoo safety protocols, respond immediately to safety or security issues, and comply with PPE and lock policies.
Animal Care & Wellness : Monitor animal health and behavior, conduct daily care tasks (feeding, watering, medications, habitat maintenance), maintain accurate records, and participate in medical procedures, enrichment, and training programs.
Advanced Husbandry : Initiate diet changes, develop and update husbandry protocols, plan and coordinate animal introductions, participate in Managed Animal Plan (MAP) and habitat planning, and coordinate animal shipments.
Mentorship & Collaboration : Train and oversee interns and volunteers, collaborate with team members, and cross-train in other areas or divisions (with leadership approval).
Guest Engagement : Provide educational and conservation-focused messaging during tours, presentations, and guest interactions.
Compliance & Standards : Adhere to AZA, FWC, USDA, OSHA, and other professional standards.
Additional Duties : Support internal committees and perform other responsibilities as directed by leadership.

What You Bring :

High school diploma or equivalent.

Two (2) years (≈4,000 hours) of paid experience providing direct care to large animals in a professional setting, such as an AZA-accredited zoo or wildlife facility , with experience working with large hoof stock or mammals .

Strong foundation in animal care , including husbandry, behavioral observation, enrichment, recordkeeping, and animal introductions.

Ability to lead protocols and initiatives , mentor junior staff, and collaborate effectively with team members.

Demonstrated excellent safety record and ability to follow established protocols and regulatory standards (AZA, FWC, USDA, OSHA).

Knowledge of live animal shipment protocols and habitat design principles.

Strong observational, organizational, and record-keeping skills

Engaging communication skills for guest interaction and team collaboration, with a focus on conservation and educational messaging.

A typical schedule consists of (3) three days ( hours) and (2) two half-days ( hours) per week including weekends and holidays, with flexibility for occasional night shifts, events, or disaster recovery efforts.

Ability to perform the physical demands of a 6–8 hour shift, including working outdoors in Florida weather, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Ability to work a flexible training schedule for the first two weeks, which may include weekends, until training is complete.

Availability to start no later than October 7, 2025 . Limited exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

A Plus...

Associate degree or coursework in related fields (, biology, animal science, zoology) is encouraged as a foundation for growth.

Bachelor’s degree in a related life science and / or advanced degrees, certifications, or specialized training in mammal care or wildlife management.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to remain standing for extended periods.

Ability to ascend / descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium.

Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for grasping, turning, and manipulating objects of varying size and weight.

Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds.

Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach.

Visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, and auditory acuity for communication.

Ability to operate motorized carts, trucks, and power tools.

WORK CONDITIONS

Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, snow, and wind.

Regular work on weekends and holidays with irregular work hours sometimes required.

Exposure to hazards such as wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.

Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), pathogens, and injuries from animals.

Periodic work in small, enclosed areas.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

Salary

per hour

serp_jobs.job_alerts.create_a_job

Care Specialist Ii • Jacksonville , FL