This is your opportunity to make a difference for the next generation of zookeepers while using your practical skills from the zoo field.  The Zoo Animal Technology Program at Santa Fe College is the premier zookeeper-training program in the United States.  To facilitate the training of animal professionals, Santa Fe College has its own AZA accredited zoo, the Teaching Zoo, located on campus.  Set in a naturally wooded environment, the 10-acre facility is a functioning zoo open to the public with a diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.  Supervised by the professional staff of the Teaching Zoo, the students gain hands-on experience in every aspect of zoo animal care from daily care to habitat construction and maintenance to working with the public.  

The Zoo Animal Technology program is a unique program that educates students in animal care and conservation and trains them in the responsibilities associated with working in a zoological facility.  In addition to classroom work, the students gain practical experience in a working zoo on campus.  The faculty members serve both as academic leaders for the Zoo Animal Technology Program and as supervisors of the training experiences in the Teaching Zoo.

This is an exciting time to join the Zoo Animal Technology Program, with new programs, an upcoming master plan and a celebration of our 53rd year training the next generation of Animal Care professionals, your contributions to this program will be felt well into the future!  

• Inspire students in the classes of animal nutrition, animal breeding, herpeculture, aviculture, mammal culture, animal behavior and aquarium culture; as well as supervise the animal management experiences in the zoo.
• Coach staff through adversities, peer communication issues, and technical animal management concerns.
• Understand and stay up to date on AZA accreditation standards and implement them in an AZA facility.
• Use professional experience to work alongside students in an AZA accredited zoo, evaluating performance and providing appropriate feedback at all times.  
• Develop and maintain professional contacts in the zoo field.
• Work with the team to maintain accreditation of the Teaching Zoo through the AZA.
• Work with the team to plan and implement fund raising activities and public events.
• Work with the team and the Program Advisory Committee to review the expectations for our students as they enter the zoo world.
• Participate in staff and committee work.
• Work with the team to evaluate, revise and develop curriculum to ensure student mastery and success. Help to advise students in academic and life skills that promote their success in the program and in their careers. Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Create, maintain, and update content in our online learning platform, Canvas.  

Reports to:  Director, Zoo Animal Technology

Required: Bachelor’s degree in any recognized academic major in the animal sciences such as biology, wildlife ecology, marine biology, animal ecology, environmental science, animal science, animal management, anthrozoology, wildlife conservation, veterinary medicine, veterinary technician, animal behavior zoology, or an associate’s degree in Zoo Animal Technology coupled with work experience and demonstrated competencies in zoo keeping and/or zoo animal management. 

 Preferred: A Master’s degree in Zoology, Wildlife Ecology, Animal Management, or related field.  Zoo experience is preferred with at least 2 years of experience at the management level. The successful applicant will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate must be comfortable working directly with our collection of native and exotic animals and inexperienced students, in both free contact and protected contact situations. Additionally, the ideal candidate must be flexible enough to work within the active environment of a working zoo. Prior teaching experience and experience with classroom technologies and productivity tools are also preferred.  

Additional: A criminal background check will be conducted.

• Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.
• Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.
• Multi-task - able to expeditiously organize, coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously to swiftly assess a situation, determine a logical course of action, and apply the appropriate response.
• Problem Solving – proven skills in identifying issues, determining their cause, developing creative solutions, and following through with implementing resolutions.
• Relationship Management – able to personally provide high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs.
• Systems & Software - proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs.