ZooTampa is looking for a proactive Safety & Compliance Coordinator to lead inspections, champion compliance, and drive safety initiatives that keep our zoo thriving. From conducting investigations to training staff and supporting daily operations, you’ll play a hands-on role in protecting what matters most.
If you’re detail-driven, safety-focused, and ready to make an impact in a fast-paced environment, apply today and help us build a culture of safety at ZooTampa!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Safety & Compliance Coordinator reports directly to the Sr. Manager of Safety and Compliance and plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of staff, guests, and animals. This position is responsible for overseeing and maintaining compliance with safety regulations, including conducting routine inspections, managing safety-related incident investigations, and ensuring adherence to AZA, OSHA, EPA, ASTM, ANSI, and other applicable standards. The Safety and Compliance Coordinator also facilitates key safety initiatives such as the annual blood drive, the documentation of vaccination records, and the completion of safety-related annual training. This position actively contributes to the zoo’s safety culture by supporting daily operations, conducting safety orientations for new hires, and managing the zoo’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) program. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to occupational safety, emergency management, and regulatory compliance.

WHO WE ARE

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 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!

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Hold a 4-year degree from an accredited college or university. Preferred that the degree be in the following fields Public Health, Occupational Health, Safety, Emergency Management, EMS, or similar field.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and mitigation strategies to abate the hazard.
• Hospitality experience preferred.
• Motivated self-starter- Must be able to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication skills—Ability to develop positive relationships with members of all departments and/or outside agencies.
• Ability to complete projects in a reasonable time frame, to the complete satisfaction of management.
• Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors, and the general public.
• Quality control: demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Must have the ability to follow specific instructions and also be comfortable self-directing.
• Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.
• Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively to the department and other departments.

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.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical of west central Florida.
• Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to plan to work, and staff specials events as well as be available for unexpected shifts.
• Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, walking, lifting and driving, with physical endurance for long, high volume days.
• Must have the ability to navigate uneven terrain and various elevations.
• The ability to clearly and effectively communicate with staff and guests.
• Manual dexterity and cognitive and sensory acuity for safe operation of rides, handling of keys, paperwork, chemicals, etc.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be comfortable being exposed to uncomfortable or distracting sounds or noise levels

• Conduct inspections of fire prevention equipment and systems throughout the zoo.
• Perform routine inspections to ensure departmental compliance with applicable regulations, including AZA, OSHA, EPA, ASTM, ANSI, and other AHJ’s regulations.
• Complete safety-related accident and incident investigations, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Assists in the preparation of after-action reports following incidents or drills.
• Identify and recommend best practices to leadership for operational activities across all departments, including animal care.
• Assists in the development and completion of job hazard analysis for various roles within the zoo.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee the zoo’s annual blood drive.
• Conduct the annual evaluation of the zoo’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) program to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Facilitate safety orientation for all new hires, ensuring understanding or organizational safety policies and procedures.
• Document and maintain records of vaccination compliance zoo-wide.
• Maintain documentation of all safety-related annual training to ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Attend and actively participate in safety meetings as required.
• Provide operational support to daily zoo functions as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.