Position: Temporary Africa Apprentice Keeper (August 24 - October 10, 2026)
Status: Hourly Non-Exempt
Department: Animal
Reports to: Curator

POSITION OVERVIEW

Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. It is also home to the Sea Turtle Healing Center for rehabilitation of wild marine turtles. Brevard Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation ethic and unique attractions, such as kayaking through the Africa area, giraffe feeding, and rhinoceros encounters.
This position is a temporary position that will run from August 24, 2026 until October 10,2026 and is responsible for the daily care of the animals in the Africa section of the Zoo – including husbandry, training, enrichment, and habitat maintenance. Animals in this area include giraffes, zebras, impala, ostrich, and other animals as assigned. Must be able to work as an integral part of the zoo team and communicate effectively with co-workers, management, and guests.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED:
Valid State of Florida driver’s license.
Must be flexible with schedule including holidays, weekends, evenings, and during emergency situations.
Must be willing to work in inclement weather including temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and high humidity.

PREFERRED/DESIRED:
Zoo keeping internship or equivalent experience in an AZA accredited facility.
Associate degree or higher from a recognized college or university

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Provide general husbandry for all animals in the assigned section. This includes cleaning animal habitats, preparing diets, training, enrichment,



and observing animal health and welfare daily.
Accurately maintain and complete daily records.
Willing to work with and under the guidance of Animal Management to ensure Brevard Zoo’s standards of animal wellbeing are always being maintained.
Willing to work with and under guidance of Animal Management to ensure Brevard Zoo’s standards of animal wellbeing are always being maintained.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Must have an understanding of animal behavior and operant conditioning.
Speaks intelligently and diplomatically with co-workers, volunteers, and guests.
Initiates and writes accurate reports and manages assigned projects.
Ability to follow all Zoo standard operation procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
(H) Heavy Work
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/HAZARDS:
Indoor office setting most often with frequent movement outdoors. Exposure to extreme heat and weather conditions. Requires Sitting, Standing, Walking, Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, Finger Dexterity, Talking, Hearing, and Visual Acuity frequently.

WORK SCHEDULE:
May be required to work weekends and nights as necessary.

TRAVEL: May be asked to travel





The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Zoo’s policies on evaluation of personnel.

Brevard Zoo provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Brevard Zoo complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Brevard Zoo expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Brevard Zoo's employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.

Brevard Zoo will not tolerate retaliation against employees who raise concerns or who file a claim of discrimination whether through external agencies or through Brevard Zoo’s internal procedures.

📌 Temporary Africa Apprentice Keeper (Melbourne)
🏢 Brevard Zoo
📍 Melbourne