Employment Opportunities at the Zoo
Job Listings
- Office Manager / Animal Programs Assistant
- The Palm Beach Zoo has a full-time position for an Office Manager / Animal Programs Assistant in the Animal Department. Work schedule is Monday through Friday. Annual salary is $30,000 with excellent benefits. A successful candidate will primarily be involved in assisting curatorial staff in the development and implementation of department wide programs. The candidate will also provide administrative support through clerical work, data entry, photographic recording, written and telephone correspondence with departmental and interdepartmental staff, regulatory agencies, and other zoological professionals.
- Minimum duties and responsibilities associated with this position include the following: 1) oversee all department office equipment, including computers, and coordinate their maintenance/repair 2) purchase and maintain all approved department office supplies 3) recruitment, supervision, scheduling, and evaluation of department interns and volunteers 3) periodic attendance and participation in meetings within the zoo and off campus with or independent of curatorial staff 4) meeting minutes recording and distribution 5) work as a liaison between zoo staff and curators for the timely dissemination of information related to zoo operations 6) provide accounts payable support in the form of expense billing account assignment and staff reimbursement submissions 7) provide human resource support with regard to the recording and organization of approved staff Personnel Action Notices, submission of timesheets for payroll, and assistance in the recording of disciplinary action reports 8) assist with scheduled tours of the zoological facilities 9) communication with zoo guests, VIPs, and the community at large, with regard to animal programs and zoological operations.
- Requirements include: 1) Bachelors degree 2) must have good writing skills and a strong familiarity with computers 3) ability to work during emergency situations 4) annual tuberculosis testing due to potential contact with non-human primates 5) pre-employment drug screen and background check.
- Please send letter of intent, availability, resume, and list of references to Director of Collections, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 or email to pbzoo@lycos.com. (Please include job title in subject line if an email is sent.)
- Animal Kitchen Assistant
- The Palm Beach Zoo has a full-time position for an Animal Kitchen Assistant in the Animal Department. A successful candidate will be involved primarily with animal diet preparation and the cleaning and organization of the commissary facility. Additional duties on a daily basis also include washing dishes and assisting with large scale food product deliveries.
- Applicants for this position must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, have good communication skills, and a strong work ethic. It is also required that all candidates be able to maintain a quick pace while remaining on their feet for the majority of their shift. Shift available will include at least one weekend day. Starting salary range is from $20,000 – $22,000 annually and an excellent benefit package which includes both medical and dental coverage. Work schedule includes 4 -10 hour days. Availability to work a holiday is required if it falls within the normal weekly work schedule. Drug and TB test required.
- Please send letter of intent, availability, resume, and list of references to Assistant Curator of Programs, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 or fax to 561-540-1430 or email to pbzoo@lycos.com . (Please include job title in subject line if an email is sent.)
- Summer Camp Insructors
- Summary - To participate in all aspects of the Zoo's summer camp programs including; developing and presenting lessons, supervising participants and assisting education department with daily program schedule.
- Duties - Develop, plan, collaborate and implement engaging hands-on camp activities for participants ages 5-14. Provide high quality group management to groups of children of varying ages. Organize and maintain all camp supplies. Research and collect educational resource activities and materials. Provide information to general zoo visitors. Other duties as assigned by the Education Manager/ Education Director / Camp Coordinator.
- Requirements - Education: High School diploma required. Bachelor's degree or pursuing a degree in the area of education, zoology, biology, recreation, or related field. Knowledge: Working knowledge of the field of education, zoology, biology, recreation, or related field. Experience: Previous camp, education and/or science experience preferred. Ability to work well with people of all ages. Must be responsible, dependable, creative, flexible, and enthusiastic.
- This job analysis in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. The jobholder will be required to follow any other instructions/duties upon request of the Education Manager/Director of Education. Reports To: Camp Coordinator/Education Manager/Director of Education. Position Information: Seasonal, begins mid May through mid August 2007, 40 hrs per week, $10.00 hourly pay. Deadline to Apply: Open until filled. Send or Fax Resume To: Palm Beach Zoo At Dreher Park, 1301 Summit Blvd., WPB., FL, 33405 Attn: Education Manager: Fax: 561-585-6085 Email: education@palmbeachzoo.org.
Internship Opportunities
- Business Internship at the Palm Beach Zoo
- The Palm Beach Zoo is looking for a bright student with a business or computer background to intern a the zoo for class credits. It is a flexible, part-time position (up to 12 hours per week) that may include some or all of the following office duties such as: data entry, IT/IS issues, telephone follow-up calls, clerical and other duties.
- Knowledge of Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge software is helpful but not necessary. Perks include free zoo admittance and a pleasant working environment.
- Please respond via email to Sara at sara@palmbeachzoo.org or at 561-533-0887 x 285. Please be sure to include you phone number in any email correspondence.
- Animal Diet & Nutrition Intern (unpaid)
- The Palm Beach Zoo is seeking an intern to work side-by-side with Animal Department Commissary staff assisting with animal diet formulation, commissary organization, food related quality control, diet preparation, and nutritional program development.
- The internship requires a minimum of 150 hours of work over a 12 week period. Applicant must be mature, reliable, trustworthy, and be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions. Computer experience including Microsoft Word and Excel is required. Some components of internship require the ability to stand for extended periods of time and to lift at least fifty pounds. Selection preference will be given to undergraduate or graduate-level college students who are looking to pursue a career in zoology or animal nutrition.
- Please send letter of intent, availability, résumé, and list of references to Assistant Curator of Programs, Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 or fax to 561-540-1430 or e-mail to pbzoo@lycos.com.
- Behavioral Training Internship (unpaid)
- The Palm Beach Zoo is currently offering an uncompensated internship opportunity in the area of Behavioral Training.
- Interns will work side-by-side with professional trainers and assist with daily husbandry duties and animal training techniques. Applicants that have experience within a zoological, veterinary, environmental, or rehabilitation organization are preferred. Interns will work side-by-side with trainers in the development of our new bird show, "Wings Over Water" and our current 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.
- A successful candidate must be able to work outdoors in typical Florida climate and be able to lift at least 50 lbs. A candidate must commit to a minimum of 150 hours of work over a 12 week period. Housing is not provided. TB test required.
- Please send letter of intent, resume, and dates of availability to: 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach FL 33405, fax: 561-540-1430, or pbzoo@lycos.com Attention: Assistant Curator of Programs.
- 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. The qualified candidate 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 delineated by the research manager that will require a written report. All candidates must be able to contribute at least 150 hours within a 12 week period.
- Undergraduate Level Qualifications: The successful candidate will 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.
- Graduate Level Qualifications: The selected candidate will be currently enrolled in a graduate level program with focus on animal behavior, conservation, biology, psychology, zoology, or related field.
- Please send letter of intent, resume, and dates of availability to 1301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach FL 33405, fax: 561-540-1430, or pbzoo@lycos.com, Attn: Assistant Curator of Programs.
- 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.