Zoological Specialist, Associate (Busch Gardens Williamsburg)

What you get to do:

This role supports training sessions for a wide variety of zoological animal areas and programs. You will perform daily husbandry tasks, including administering vitamins and medications as directed, preparing food, and maintaining a safe and sanitary working area for all animal habitats.

• Responsible for food preparation and storage
• Provide and maintain a work environment that follows the established guidelines and safety procedures set by the department and park
• Consistently display consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability
• Observe animals and report any abnormalities to supervisor and team
• Maintain all animal records and equipment
• Perform supportive speaking roles in education and general public presentations.
• Proactively engage with guests and respond to guest inquiries
• Work with animals using behavioral modification techniques as instructed
• Ability to become proficient in the application of behavioral modification techniques used at Busch Gardens.

Note: as a 365 day/year operation, candidates are expected to provide flexible availability to support year-round operating needs. This may include, but is not limited to, working opening, mid-day and closing shifts during peak and non-peak seasons, as well as weekends and holidays.

What it takes to succeed:

• Able to demonstrate strong verbal communication skills and enthusiastically share a passion for animals and conservation with our guests.
• Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people on stage during presentations
• Proficient in talking on a microphone to large crowds of guests
• Able to complete provided CPR training/certification
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Biology, or a related field preferred
• Previous equine, exotic bird and or bird of prey experience preferred
• At least 18 years old
• A valid state driver’s license and be able to obtain a company driver’s license
• Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and climb/ascend heights, if needed
• Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, to include extreme heat. Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors and cold/heat temperature extremes
• Perform cleaning duties, including use of cleaning chemicals
• Work a flexible schedule/hours based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts; nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities