Safety and Driving Trainer
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
24 reviews
Tampa, FL 33604
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
24 reviews
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The Safety and Driving Trainer is responsible for training and assessing the Expedition Wild Africa Safari Drivers, maintaining accurate training records, ensuring the safe operation of the experience, and conducting in-service training to maintain driver proficiencies.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Your day to day
• Conduct driver training in group and one-on-one, classroom and hands-on settings to prepare Guest Experience Guides to drive a 32-passenger safari truck on unpaved roads through and around animal habitats.
• Create and organize standard operating procedures, proficiency checklists, evaluation forms, and other necessary training materials.
• Present information using a variety of instructional techniques or formats.
• Maintain accurate records of training, evaluation, and coaching sessions.
• Conduct on-road tests and other evaluations with drivers.
• Conduct in-service training to maintain driver proficiencies.
• Perform safety-related functions including incident reviews and skill assessments.
• Instruct drivers in safety standards and company policies.
• Maintain a high level of driving performance and act as a safety role model for all staff.
• In addition to training responsibilities, this position will also help to facilitate the Safari Expedition for guests of all ages.
• Demonstrate safe operation of the safari trucks, including responding appropriately and assisting in potential emergency situations.
• Fully understand all operating and safety procedures and communicate designated safety instructions to guests.
• Assist passengers in getting on and off vehicles.
• Assist persons with disabilities/patrons of tours, including loading of wheelchairs.
• Consistently demonstrate excellent guest interaction and hospitality skills at all times.
• Maintain a friendly, courteous attitude towards guests and give assistance whenever possible.
• Politely and diplomatically enforce safety and departmental rules and processes. Ensure that ZooTampa’s policies and procedures are carried out in all programs.
• Coordinate and maintain strong working relationships with all departments within the Zoo to help ensure the overall success of programs.
• Perform additional duties as needed.
What are we looking for?
• A valid Florida CDL with Passenger Endorsement required. A comparable amount of training and experience may be considered, and a CDL will be required within 6 months of employment.
• Must have and maintain a driving record acceptable to the Zoo.
• Minimum 3 years of professional driving experience preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of driver training experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field preferred.
• Ability to operate a 32-foot long, 32-passenger safari truck, and train staff to do the same.
• Ability to train, coach, and evaluate drivers’ knowledge and skills.
• Ability to implement new driver training programs as required.
• Ability to communicate in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to work independently, with general direction from leadership.
• Ability to manage workload and to quickly adapt to varying situations.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present effectively to staff in a classroom setting.
• Highly motivated and organized, with high energy, and a positive team player attitude.
Other Requirements
• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to dust, fumes, animal dander, odor, loud noises, motion, and vibrations.
• Must be able to comfortably drive safari trucks for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to withstand typical Florida climate.
• Must be able to work on weekends, holidays, flexible daily hours, long shifts, as well as various evening hours.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, lift up to 50 pounds, bend over, move quickly when necessary, and interact with children at their level.
• Must be able to clearly communicate with the general public.
• Adequate auditory and visual acuity and cognitive ability to safely operate tour vehicles or other equipment.
• Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
Our Perks at ZooTampa
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life Insurance, 403(b) Pension Plan
• Vacation and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Forgiveness
• Free gym membership
• Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• Discounted HART passes and AAA
• Discounted auto insurance
• And so much more!
Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace