Adjunct Assistant Professor - Zoo Animal Technology

Job Description Summary

Application Deadline: This advertisement is open continuously and for multiple positions. Applications are reviewed on an as-needed basis. For questions regarding the status of an application, please contact the hiring manager, Jonathan Miot, at [email protected].

The Santa Fe College (SF) Teaching Zoo, a unique 10-acre zoo in Gainesville, Florida, is the only zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The zoo showcases a diverse collection that contains both native and exotic species for everyone to enjoy. Visitors enjoy the Bald Eagles, White-throated capuchin monkeys, American alligators, Matschie's Tree Kangaroo and Asian small-clawed otters to name a few. These species and many other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are on display in a naturally shaded environment. The 1/4-mile trail through the wooded environment is lined with mulch and is stroller and/or wheelchair accessible.

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.

Job Description

Responsibilities and Duties Include:

• Plans, organizes, and delivers instruction to didactic, laboratory and/or classroom settings to promote student success within a community college setting.
• 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.
• Supports and promotes the college and departmental missions centered on excellence in teaching and learning through quality instruction, curriculum enhancement, and timely service.
• Collaborates with the Chair, faculty, and peers to evaluate, revise, and develop curriculum that cultivates the mastery of course content.
• Demonstrates technological literacy and innovation in the delivery of instruction.
• Works collaboratively as part of a cohesive academic team.
• Assists with the implementation of college policies, objectives, and functions in accordance with the SF philosophy, mission, strategic initiatives, and procedures.
• Participates in departmental meetings and collegewide committees as needed.
• Provides students with frequent, timely assessment and clear feedback regarding academic performance.
• Appropriately documents student progress and maintains records including attendance, grading, and student learning outcomes.
• Develops methods that fairly and accurately assess students’ progress in achieving the stated learning outcomes/objectives.
• Maintains appropriate office hours proportionate to the instructional assignment.
• Provides service to the college through participation in events, committees, and other college activities.
• Strictly honors the privacy and security of student records and other sensitive information according to appropriate state, federal and college regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Complies with all published College Rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws/regulations governing public employees, including but not limited to those related to document retention and destruction, FERPA, and confidentiality.
• Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required: A 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.

Additional Requirements: 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

• Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.
• Adaptability to Change – able to be flexible and supportive, able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment.
• Analytical Aptitude & Problem Solving - able to analyze information, problems, situations, practices and/or procedures, collect and interpret data, reason logically, establish facts, identify and define existing and potential issues, recognize the interrelationships among elements, draw valid conclusions, develop recommendations, as well as alternative courses of action, select appropriate course, follow up, and evaluate.
• Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.
• Critical Thinking & Judgement - able to make well-reasoned, sensible, and timely decisions based on careful, objective review and informed analysis of available information, considerations, and other factors.
• Customer Service – ability to respond promptly and courteously to all questions from students and faculty, demonstrating patience and persistence when helping students with little or no computer skills.
• Ethics – able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job-related actions.
• Organization & Time Management – able to plan, schedule, and organize tasks related to the job to achieve goals within or ahead of established time frames.
• 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.
• Results Orientation – proven ability to set and exceed established targets.
• Systems & Software - proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs.
• Detail Oriented - Proven accuracy and attention to detail.
• Multi-task - Ability 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.

Application Process:  All applicants must submit a completed online SF application, a letter of intent, an up-to-date resume/curriculum vitae, and unofficial academic transcripts and certifications to be considered for this position. Unofficial transcripts are only accepted for review purposes, official transcripts are required prior to any offer of employment being made.

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.

Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. sfcollege.edu/eaeo

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to: [email protected]

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.