Adjunct Assistant Professor - Zoo Animal Technology

Job Description Summary

Each part-time faculty member reports to a chair or director, satisfies criteria for accreditation, possesses subject matter expertise, and has the following instructional and institutional responsibilities: • Designing courses, delivering instruction, evaluating student learning, and incorporating college-required technology. • Possessing subject matter expertise and engaging in ongoing professional development. • Maintaining effective communication within the College and the department or program.

Job Description

Salary is determined per the SF Salary Schedule.

The Zoo Animal Technology Program at Santa Fe College is the premier zookeeper-training program in the United States.  The Zoo Animal Technology Program educates students in animal care and conservation and trains them in the responsibilities associated with working in a zoological facility via a combination of classroom instruction and practical real-world experience. To facilitate the training of animal professionals, the College has its own on-site functioning zoo, open to the public. The SF Teaching Zoo, a ten (10) acre facility set in a naturally wooded environment is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) provides a home to a diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates enabling students to experience hands-on all aspects of zoo animal care from habitat construction and maintenance to interacting with the public. 

Under general supervision, the Adjunct Assistant develops, prepares and teaches a variety of specialized zoological concepts consisting of  Introduction to Zoos and Aquariums, Basic Zookeeper Technology and Lab, Animal Management 1, 2, 3 and 4, Zoo Topics, Herpeculture, Aviculture, Mammal Culture, Aquarium Culture, Animal Nutrition and Animal Breeding. Adjunct Faculty are employed on a term-by-term basis and may be assigned teaching duties at SF's main Northwest campus or at any of the College's six educational centers. Course offerings within The Teaching Zoo may be taught during the day, evening, or online, as well as taught using other distance learning formats.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Train students on specific zookeeping skills such as cleaning, sanitation, animal restraint and  handling, diet preparation and feeding, animal behavior and observation, operant conditioning, safe zoo practices, and guest interactions.
• Direct, supervise and evaluate the zookeeping skills and competencies of students within the SF Teaching Zoo.
• Plan, organize, and deliver zoological instruction in didactic, laboratory and/or classroom settings to promote student success within a community college setting.
• Support and promote the college and departmental missions centered on excellence in teaching and learning through quality instruction, curriculum enhancement, and service.
• Collaborate with department chair, faculty, and peers to evaluate, revise, and develop curriculum to cultivate the mastery of course content.
• Provide students with frequent, timely assessment of and clear feedback regarding academic performance.
• Appropriately document student progress and maintain accurate records such as attendance, grading and achievement of student learning outcomes.
• Honor student confidentiality and privacy as per appropriate laws, regulations and college rules.
• Proctor exams, participate in departmental meetings, as well as college taskforces and/or committees as necessary.
• Maintain appropriate office hours proportionate to the instructional assignment.
• Provide service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible and professional engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Coordinator, Zoo Animal Technology Program/Chair, Natural Sciences

Qualifications

Required: An Associate's degree in Zoo Animal Technology or a Bachelor's degree in any of the qualifying fields of Zoology, Wildlife Ecology, and/or Animal Management. A criminal background check will be conducted.

Preferred: At least two years of professional experience within a zoological field is preferred, as is relevant teaching experience within a community college setting.

General Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The Adjunct Assistant must have the ability to deliver a high level of interactive customer service, develop and maintain collaborative relationships throughout the organization, communicate effectively and possess proficient computer skills, including familiarity with the Microsoft Suite of Office Applications. The successful applicant must be willing to work a flexible schedule at multiple sites, as well as demonstrate the ability to work well with students, faculty and staff at all levels within a diverse, multi-cultural, collaborative environment. 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

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Santa Fe College reserves the right to extend deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions. Preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans.