Wildlife Care Specialist, Behavior - Full Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Wildlife Care Specialist Behavior performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission and vision of saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in wildlife care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature and leading the fight against extinction. The Wildlife Care Specialist Behavior, under general supervision, performs a wide variety of functions in the training, handling and care of wildlife used for public appearances and contact, such as educational programs. This position reports to the Wildlife Training Supervisor or Manager.

The Wildlife Care Specialist Behavior performs a wide variety of moderately difficult tasks involved in preparing wildlife for public contact and presentations.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Trains wildlife in new behaviors and reinforces trained behaviors

Prepares wildlife for a variety of stimuli, location and health maintenance using positive methods and participation from the animal

Prepares and feed wildlife

Conducts special tours

Manages wildlife to ensure public safety

Transports wildlife to habitat or location for sharing conservation/sustainability messaging. Assists handlers, set up props, stages or other areas

Assists medical staff in treatment of assigned wildlife

Makes informational presentations to the public

Cleans and maintains habitats and work areas

Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements

Keeps feeding, medication and other records regarding wildlife care

Answers questions and provides information to the public regarding assigned wildlife

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Preferred candidate with animal ambassador experience. Can work in a constantly changing environment from day to day. Understanding of operant conditioning and ability to apply it when working with a wide variety of wildlife.

JOB EXPERIENCE

Education, training and experience, which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined; an example would be two or more years experience as a wildlife handler at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance or a comparable organization, preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

High School Diploma Required

California Driver License within 30 days required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of:

Animal behavior

Animal behavior modification

Care, feeding and handling of wild animals

Safety practices around wild animals

SDZWA policies, procedures and regulations regarding the care, handling and training of exhibit animals

Ability to:

Train and modify behavior in a variety of environments

Discriminate differences in animal vocalizations

Monitor animal behavior

Keep simple records

Communicate and work effectively with others (verbal and written)

Deal tactfully and courteously with the others in a diverse environment

Respond to cautions from co-workers

Monitor animal behavior and appearance

Operate motorized equipment and vehicles

Competently perform the essential functions outlined above

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: Escondido, 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: $31.05

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.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

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. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.