Elephant Odyssey Lead Wildlife Care Specialist - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

We are excited that you are continuing to grow your career as a Wildlife Ally! San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance recognizes that our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us close to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Lead Wildlife Care Specialist under general direction, supervises and participates in the feeding and general care and welfare of assigned habitat wildlife (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates or birds). This position reports to the Wildlife Care Supervisor or Wildlife Care Manager.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Assigns and supervises the work of Wildlife Care Specialist personnel

Responsible for the feeding and general care and welfare of assigned habitat wildlife

Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements

Keeps feeding records

Observes assigned wildlife

Reports abnormal conditions to superiors

Cleans habitat areas, pools, wildlife sleeping areas and service areas

Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers

Maintains health and behavior records on assigned wildlife

Answers questions from the public concerning habitat wildlife

Provides habitat security

Participates in capturing, incapacitating and moving habitat wildlife

Assists medical staff in treating wildlife

Performs minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures

Reports the need for major maintenance and repairs

Operates a variety of light and medium equipment

Performs minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures

Reports maintenance needs

Operates a variety of light and medium equipment

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking an individual who is inspired to be a part of an organization that is committed to protecting wildlife around the globe. A leader to join us in our commitment to provide opportunities to learn about, engage with best-in-class conservation work, and share how that work is changing outcomes for wildlife every day through visits to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. A minimum of 5 years of Elephant experience is required. Hoof stock and Large Carnivore experience is preferred.

JOB EXPERIENCE

Education, training, and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined. And

Several years of experience as a Wildlife Care Specialist in a comparable zoological garden.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Current valid California Driver’s License in good standing

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Wildlife behavior

Animal biology; zoology

Care, feeding and handling of wildlife

Safety practices around wildlife

Techniques for restraining or capturing wildlife

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's policies, procedures and regulations

Effective leadership practices

Operate a motor vehicle, when required

Communicate and work effectively with others

Work in a diverse team environment and motivate others

Multi-task and prioritize

Understand and follow directions effectively

Deal tactfully and courteously with others

Competently perform the representative duties outlined above

Perform each essential job function at a high level

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Family Passes

Complimentary Tickets

Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Local and In-House Discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

Location: San Diego, CA

Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union

Hourly Rate: $38.77

Fraudulent Recruiting

Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Please remember to notify your current Manager that you are applying. Thank you for your commitment to conservation around the globe!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.