Palm Beach Zoo Employment Opportunities

Job Listings

Accounting Department
The Accounts Payable Clerk will work in a fast paced and dynamic environment processing invoices. This position requires attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively and professionally. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty well. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required.
Review invoices from property for proper coding, accuracy, and approval; Reconcile invoice totals to reports and make corrections as necessary; Process payments, print checks and circulate for proper signatures; Process recurring payments as necessary; Copy invoices and checks as required by owners/lenders; Accurately and timely obtain and record all 1099 information for assigned properties; Manage AP Inquiry mailbox and ensure prompt, accurate responses; Manage utility billing service providers set up process and handle all related inquiries; Accurately and timely file all check vouchers, back-up information, and debt payments in assigned files; Accurately and timely compile all vendor, insurance, and legal files; Effectively maintain a working knowledge of all assigned files; Effectively communicate with accounting staff and on-site associates the finalization of all accounts payable information; Accurately organize and file all accounting closing reports; All other duties as assigned.
To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to Palm Beach Zoo, Attn: Chief Financial Officer, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405, or fax to: 561-585-6085. No phone calls please.
Curatorial Administrative Assistant - Part-time
Duties for this position include assisting Animal Department curatorial staff with general office management and clerical work, department billing, digital photo and video editing and storage, conservation program data input, representation of curatorial staff in professional correspondence with other zoo departments and other conservation based institutions, computerized presentation development in conjunction with professional development and conservation related programs.
Successful candidate needs excellent computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and photo editing software. Excellent communication skills, public speaking experience, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment is needed.
This position requires pre-employment tuberculosis (PPD) and drug screening. This part-time, non-benefitted position will require a 5-6 hour work schedule 4-5 days weekly. Some schedule flexibility exists with the successful candidate. Starting compensation is $11 hour. Please send letter of intent, resume, and list of references to Curator of Animal Programs, Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405 or email to pbzoo@lycos.com.
Zookeeper I or II - Birds (waterfowl)
The Palm Beach Zoo is currently seeking to hire a Zookeeper I or II-Birds. The successful candidate will qualify for a Zookeeper I or II position based on education and experience levels and be involved in the care of a large avian collection representing over 160 species. This position requires the care of one of the largest waterfowl collections in North America representing 75+ species, numerous species of waterbirds, parrots, cranes, doves, birds of prey, toucans, and passerines. Additional care of mammal and reptilian species housed in mixed species exhibits with birds required.
Responsibilities for this position include:
  1. perform husbandry responsibilities for collection
  2. daily involvement in the enrichment and operant conditioning programs
  3. assist in capture, restraint, and veterinary procedures
  4. assist in the supervision and mentoring of interns and volunteers
  5. assist in associated conservation programs
  6. involvement in exhibit landscaping and minor exhibit maintenance
  7. daily computerized record keeping
  8. work in egg incubation and nursery facilities
  9. involvement in informal education presentations and animal handling for zoo guests and during special events
The requirements for this position include good communication skills, ability to use a computer for record keeping management, good observation skills, strong work ethic, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, ability to work outdoors in a typical Florida climate, and ability to work weekends and holidays. A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and previous experience working with birds, particularly waterfowl, in a zoological setting preferred. A strong interest in the care and conservation of waterfowl is needed to be successful in this position. Starting base salary $21,500-25,500 annually, depending on zookeeper level, with excellent benefits.
Please send letter of intent, resume, and list of references by January 28, 2010 to Keith Lovett, Director of Living Collections, Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, Florida 33405 or fax to 561-540-1430 or email to pbzoo@lycos.com.

Internship Opportunities

Animal Care Internships (Unpaid)
Animal Care Interns will work side-by-side with professional animal care staff providing daily husbandry, enrichment, record keeping, exhibit maintenance, and diet preparation for the Zoo's animal collection. Interns will also provide interpretive talks for Zoo visitors, focusing on natural history and conservation education. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 360 hours of work over a 15 week period and must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate and be able to lift at least 50 lbs. All applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and proof of current college enrollment. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided. Selection preference for internships will be given to undergraduate or graduate-level college students studying in the field of biological science, psychology, or other related disciplines who are looking to pursue a career in zoology. Internships are available throughout the year. The Palm Beach Zoo is currently offering Animal Care Internships in:
  • Carnivore Care
  • Primate Care
  • Avian Care
  • Reptile Care
To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter identifying internship area of interest, and proof of college enrollment to Stephanie Dampier, Curator of Behavioral Research. Mail: Animal Care Internship Program, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 833-7135
Education Internships (Unpaid)
The Palm Beach Zoo's mission is to provide an open-air classroom of living creatures to foster awareness, appreciation and respect for the natural world. Education interns assist in meeting this mission, while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Summer internships run May 25 - August 14, part-time or full-time.
Job Description: Gain teaching and animal-handling experience by assisting with the zoo's summer camp program. Present animal encounters to campers and to the public. Lead small groups of campers in zoo keeping activities. Teach science lessons. Assist education staff in developing and evaluating new curriculum. Assist with daily camp operations. All full-time interns are required to complete a term project which may include a program and corresponding activity.
Requirements: Applicants should be college students with at least one year completed, or recent college graduates. Good communication and public speaking skills required. Able to interact well with children, staff, volunteers and zoo guests. Self-motivated, reliable, up-beat, and able to work outdoors in hot/humid weather. Applicants must complete an internship application and provide proof of a negative TB test within the last year and tetanus shot in the last 5 years. All education interns must pass a drug screen and background check.
To Apply: Send resume and cover letter, un-official college transcript, and three letters of recommendation to Palm Beach Zoo, Attn: Education Intern Program, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405. No phone calls please.
Behavioral Training Internship (unpaid)
Behavioral Training interns will work side-by-side with professional trainers and assist with daily husbandry duties and animal training techniques, including helping with our bird show “Wings Over Water” and our mammal show “Wild Things”. This internship experience will provide the opportunity to work very closely with a variety of different bird and mammal species, to develop a deeper knowledge of exotic animal care and behavior, and the ability to gain greater hands-on experience in the zoological field. Applicants that have experience within a zoological, veterinary, environmental, or rehabilitation organization are preferred. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 360 hours of work over a 15 week period and must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate and be able to lift at least 50 lbs. All applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and proof of current college enrollment. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided.
To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter identifying internship area of interest, and proof of college enrollment to Stephanie Dampier, Curator of Behavioral Research. Mail: Animal Care Internship Program, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 833-7135
Conservation & Research Internship (UNPAID)
The Palm Beach Zoo has internship opportunities available for undergraduate and graduate level students that are interested in gaining experience in the field of conservation and scientific research. Interns will participate in the following: 1) literature searches, data collection, and data entry relevant to ongoing Zoo research projects 2) interaction with guests on conservation education messages 3) completion of an independent research project that will require a written report. All applicants must have completed at least two full-time semesters of a Bachelor's degree in animal behavior, biology, psychology, zoology, or related field. Some experience in animal behavior, conservation, and/or equivalent coursework is preferred. All applicants must commit to a minimum of 360 hours of work over a 15 week period and must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate. All applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test and proof of current college enrollment. This internship opportunity is unpaid and no housing is provided.
To Apply: Complete the internship application and send it, as well as a resume, cover letter identifying internship area of interest, and proof of college enrollment to Stephanie Dampier, Curator of Behavioral Research. Mail: Animal Care Internship Program, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33405, Email: sdampier@palmbeachzoo.org, Fax: (561) 833-7135
Volunteer Programs Intern (unpaid)
Responsibilities: Are you a people person? The Volunteer Programs Intern will assist the Volunteer Programs Manager in scheduling and recruiting potential volunteers. The intern will also assist with the planning, co-ordination and implementation of the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner, special event activities designed to encourage and promote retention of volunteers, and in setting up and facilitating recruitment opportunities.
Qualifications: Applicant should be working on a BA in Education, Marketing, Human Resources or related field. Applicants should be detail oriented and highly organized. The applicant should feel comfortable talking to and interacting with wide varieties of volunteer staff from differing backgrounds and ages. All interns regardless of placement must present proof of a negative TB test, administered within the past year.
Schedule: Interns are expected to commit to a regular schedule for at least one semester or minimum of 60 hours. Schedules are arranged on an individual basis in consultation with the intern's immediate supervisor. Benefits: Volunteer t-shirt and name badge provided. Reports to: Volunteer Programs Manager; Director of Education.
Please send a completed volunteer application (available here), résumé with cover letter, three (3) letters of reference, and unofficial transcript to Volunteer Programs Manager, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405.

Animal Care Internship Application