Employment
As a company that is always evolving and growing, we are always looking for good talent. If you love animals, the outdoors, and nature in general, you know how to give excellent customer service, and are a kid at heart, Sarasota Jungle Gardens could be just the place for you. We invite you to explore becoming a valued team member. Interested candidates should fill out the online application below and forward a resume and completed application to: employment@sarasotajunglegardens.com. Sarasota Jungle Gardens is an equal opportunity, drug and smoke free employer.
Administrative Assistant
Overview:
The Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to ensure the efficient operation of the office. This role involves handling a wide range of administrative and executive support tasks with professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.
- High school diploma or equivalent. Some college preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills. Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.
- Must be able to work as a team, follow directions, strongly adhere to the policy and procedure, and support the company’s goals and long-term vision.
- Must work weekends as needed, rotating schedule.
- Must have reliable transportation.
- We are a drug-free employer with a smoke/vape-free environment. Candidates must be able to pass a background check and a drug screen which includes testing for marijuana. Smoking is not allowed on the property.
Preferred Qualifications: - Administrative or office support experience.
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.
- Experience supporting executives or multiple departments.
General Education (3 – 4 positions open)
- Background in education, teaching, or animal experience is highly preferred
- Willingness to learn and engage with various species, including snakes
- Excellent public speaking, presentation, and organizational skills
- Clean driving record and ability to lift up to 60 pounds independently
- Must pass a background check (including fingerprinting) and drug screen (including marijuana & CBD usage)
- 4-year degree highly preferred, preferably in biology or related field
- Patient and adept at providing exceptional customer service
- Must enjoy working with young children
- Must work holidays and weekends as needed
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Gift Shop Customer Service / Cashier
- Greet customers as they enter the gift shop
- Sell admission to the park
- Maintain a register and process cash & credit card payments accurately
- Keep gift shop clean and well organized; sweep, dust, mop, and restock
- Answering the phone in a professional and informative manner.
- Cash handling and retail experience required
- Friendly and engaging personality
- Professional demeanor and confident manner
- Detailed and organized
- Work as part of a team
- Able to repeatedly lift large amounts of stock
- Pass background check and drug screen
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Reliable transportation
- Must work holidays and weekends as needed, rotating schedule
Maintenance/Handyman
- Must pay attention to detail
- Must follow directions well
- Must be able to work outside; able to work independently
- Must be able to lift a minimum of 75 pounds independently
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Carpentry skills preferred
- Candidates must pass a drug screen and background check (including marijuana and CBD)
- Applicant must be familiar with power and hand tools
- Experience in construction concrete application, basic plumbing and electrical a plus
Café Associate
- Prior restaurant/food service experience highly preferred
- Reliable transportation
- Punctual
- Must work holidays and weekends
- Serv Safe Certificate a plus
- Candidates must pass a drug screen and background check
- Excellent customer service skills required
Landscape/Laborer
- Reliable transportation
- Able to work outside for an entire 8 hour day
- Able to lift 75 lbs. independently
- Knowledge of yard equipment operation i.e. lawn mowers, chain saws, leaf blowers
- Flexible schedule – able to work weekends, holidays
- Follow instructions and able to work independently
Custodian
- Essential commercial cleaning experience is required
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required
- Must be able to speak and understand English and communicate clearly
- Must have initiative and organization skills
- Good customer service skills required
- Be punctual, reliable, and trustworthy
- Must have a valid Florida driver’s license and be able to pass a background and drug screen (including marijuana)
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds independently and work outdoors year-round
- Working weekends and holidays required
Entertainer
An Entertainer is responsible for performing day-to-day operations in qualified areas and animals. The Entertainer position will learn and perform all shows, presentations and public relations (both live and recorded) as necessary or directed. The Entertainer is regularly required to speak publicly to both large and small groups (onsite and off).
- One year of professional experience in the Entertainment Industry (animal focus preferred)
- Strong public speaking ability including professionally based entertainment and humor is required
- Must be comfortable with small mammals, primates, birds and reptiles (including snakes)
- Day-to-day tasks require good problem-solving skills, critical thinking and time management
- Must display or be willing to grow and understand animal behaviors and their application in behavioral conditioning
- Must be punctual, reliable and be able to work weekends and holidays (and very occasional evenings)
- Effective crowd control skills
- Must also be able to pass a drug screen (including marijuana and CBD) and a background check.
Marketing Department Customer Service Coordinator
The Customer Service Coordinator is responsible for scheduling and coordinating with school, senior, daycare, and camp groups as well as picnics, corporate events, weddings, birthdays onsite, and other offsite events (trade shows, lectures, presentations, fairs, etc.). The coordinator also greets many of our arriving groups, schedules birthday parties, and helps with event planning. This position also oversees communications through our website email, and backup office work as required. They are responsible for managing and processing animal adoptions, donations, memorials, photo shoots, and group sales. Assist with daily operations of the marketing department, social media and exhibit unmatched customer service.
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- Minimum of 1 year customer service experience required, must include references. Marketing specific experience a big plus.
- Must have great time management.
- Be organized & detailed.
- Effective communicator both in person and in writing.
- Must be able to manage multiple priorities with excellent follow-up skills.
- Friendly, outgoing professional personality and demeanor.
- Strong customer service and problem-solving skills.
- Must pass skill tests during the interview process.
- Must be able to work as a team, follow directions, as well as policy & procedure.
- Must work holidays and weekends as needed, rotating schedule.
- Intermediate skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, & PowerPoint.
- Some college education required, a marketing background is ideal.
- Must have reliable transportation.
- We are a drug-free employer with a smoke/vape-free environment. Candidates must be able to pass a background check and a drug screen, which includes testing for marijuana/CBD. Smoking/Vaping of any kind is not allowed on the property.
Animal Educator – Job Description
Overview:
An Animal Educator is responsible for developing and delivering engaging educational programs and presentations about animals, conservation, and environmental topics. This role helps foster public awareness, appreciation, and responsible stewardship of wildlife and natural resources.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
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- Develop and present educational programs for schools, camps, tours, and public events.
- Handle and present live animals safely in front of audiences of various ages.
- Educate guests on animal biology, behavior, habitats, and conservation efforts.
- Assist in creating interpretive signage, displays, and educational materials.
- Support animal care staff with daily husbandry duties as needed.
- Ensure all educational content aligns with the organization’s mission and animal welfare standards.
- Maintain accurate program attendance and animal use records.
- Participate in training and professional development related to animal handling and interpretation.
- Engage with guests to answer questions and encourage conservation action.
- Comply with all safety and regulatory standards regarding animal handling and public interaction.
Skills and Qualifications:
• Strong public speaking and communication skills.
• Experience with animal handling and interpretation.
• Knowledge of zoology, wildlife conservation, or environmental education.
• Ability to adapt programs for different audiences and age groups.
Animal Attendant – Job Description
Overview:
An Animal Attendant is responsible for the daily care, feeding, and welfare of animals in a zoo, sanctuary, rehabilitation, or educational facility. They ensure animals’ needs are met while maintaining clean, safe, and enriching environments.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:-
- Feed, water, and monitor animals according to established diets and schedules.
- Clean and sanitize enclosures, habitats, and work areas.
- Observe animal behavior and health; report abnormalities or concerns to supervisors or veterinarians.
- Assist in administering medications and following treatment plans under supervision.
- Provide environmental enrichment to promote physical and mental well-being.
- Maintain accurate records of animal diets, behavior, and health observations.
- Assist with animal training and handling for educational or husbandry purposes.
- Support guest engagement by answering questions and promoting responsible wildlife care.
- Follow all safety procedures and biosecurity protocols.
- Operate and maintain cleaning, feeding, and safety equipment.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Experience working with animals in a professional or volunteer capacity.
- Basic understanding of animal behavior and welfare principles.
- Attention to detail and ability to follow specific care instructions.
- Physical ability to lift, bend, and perform manual labor in various weather conditions.
- Compassion, patience, and strong work ethic.
Click here to complete our online Employment Application form in its entirety.