Manatee Care Specialist

Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens | Manatee Conservation Department | On-SiteWe're looking for passionate animal care professionals to join the team making it all possible. The work you will do here is visible, celebrated, and directly connected to the recovery of wild manatee populations in Florida.https://www.instagram.com/p/DWUSxJrDly0/What You'll DoYou'll provide expert daily care for rescued manatees in one of the most advanced rehabilitation facilities in the Southeast — and help tell their story to thousands of guests every year.Animal Care & HusbandryPerform daily feeding, medication administration, habitat cleaning, and enrichmentMonitor and document manatee health, behavior, buoyancy, appetite, and reproductive activityAssist with veterinary procedures, rescue response, and approved researchConduct underwater exhibit inspections and behavioral monitoring using SCUBA equipmentConservation & ComplianceUphold AZA, FWC, USDA, and OSHA standards at all timesContribute to Species Survival Plans and habitat planningFollow biosecurity and zoonotic disease prevention protocolsGuest EngagementDeliver keeper chats, tours, and conservation education that connect guests to manatee conservationPractice responsible messaging that promotes habitat protection and discourages wildlife traffickingTeam EngagementHigher level care specialist will have team leading and additional responsibilities.What Makes You a FitYou are SCUBA certified. You're observant and calm under pressure. You notice when something's off with an animal before anyone else does. You communicate clearly, document accurately, and show up for your team. You care deeply about manatee conservation — and you know how to share that passion with the public.EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent requiredAssociate or bachelor's degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, wildlife management, environmental science, animal behavior, fisheries/marine science, or a closely related field, preferred.ExperienceWe're hiring at three levels — you will be placed in the level that fits your background.Specialist I - 6 months paid or unpaid wildlife care. SCUBA certification, preferred.Specialist II - 2 years paid wildlife care + SCUBA certificationSenior Specialist - 5–6 years paid wildlife care + SCUBA certificationSome required experience may be substituted by a degree in life science related field.Associate degree equivalent to six months.Bachelor’s degree equivalent to one year.Master’s degree equivalent to 1.5 years.Preferred QualificationsSCUBA certification. Experience with marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, or husbandryFamiliarity with ZIMS, Tracks, or similar animal record systemsInternship or volunteer experience with FWC, NOAA partners, or AZA-accredited institutionsADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Availability to accommodate a flexible schedule, including extended hours, holidays, and weekends, and willingness to work overtime as needed.Ability to participate in the response team for stranding or medical emergencies involving marine mammals.WORK CONDITIONSExposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind.Exposure to hazards such as wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases, and injuries from animals.Periodic work in small, enclosed, or underwater areas.Physical RequirementsFrequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing and crouching.Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbsOperating hand and power toolsOperating motorized vehiclesFrequent underwater work using SCUBA equipmentVerbal communication and visual and auditory awareness to monitor animal behavior, respond to safety alerts and communicate with colleagues and guests.TRAVEL EXPECTATIONSMust maintain a valid driver’s license and clear driving record and be over age 18 to operate organizational vehicles.May require local or national travel.Ability to travel locally to deliver educational programs at off-site community locations.About The Manatee HabitatIn March 2026, Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens opened the J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River Habitat — a 330,000-gallon rescue and rehabilitation facility capable of caring for up to 20 manatees at once, triple our previous capacity. This is one of Florida's most significant new conservation facilities. Guests can view rehabilitating manatees directly from the new VyStar SkyScape entrance.JZBG is an equal opportunity, drug-free employer.