Wildlife Care Specialist - Full Time Seasonal - 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 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, under general supervision, feeds and provides for the general care and welfare of assigned wildlife (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates or birds). This position reports to a Lead or Supervisor.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Wildlife care specialist class in that the Wildlife care specialist works under supervision. The Wildlife care specialist performs a wide range of semi-routine functions at either the Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This class also consistently demonstrates the desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Decision-making: Must have independent and critical thinking ability to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal care situations. Must be able to problem solve based on experience and observation and must be able to follow proper procedures.

Prepares food and water for animals, Loads and unloads food from trucks, Feeds animals

Observes assigned animals

Safety: Must be able to safely manage the daily care of non-domesticated wild animals representing multiple dangerous species. This requires the knowledge of and ability to follow SOPs in each animal area.

Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals. Provides species-appropriate enrichment to assigned animals.

Participates in assisting medical staff in treating wildlife and moving animals

Performs minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures. Reports maintenance needs. Operates a variety of light and medium equipment.

Professionalism: Employees are expected to abide by the SDZWA Rules of Engagement. Must foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity. Must be able to accept responsibility and be accountable. Must make decisions that support the goals of the organization.

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

Reports abnormal conditions

Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers

Participates in and supports animal training programs

Administers prescribed medication and keeps feeding records

Flexibility/Adaptability: Must be able to quickly process and respond to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment. Must be able to accept irregular shift times, last minute schedule changes, variance in workload, and changing of daily tasks. Must be able to respond appropriately to the animals’ dynamic social and physical states. Must be able to work at variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS).

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/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined. Examples would be 12 to 16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology or animal husbandry; or, work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where appropriate knowledge and skills in animal care could be acquired preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

High School Diploma Required

California Driver License within 30 Days required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of:

Animal behavior

Animal biology and zoology

Care, feeding and handling of wild animals

Safety practices around wild animals

Techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals

Public Speaking

Ability to:

Respond to cautions from co-workers

Monitor animal behavior and appearance

Operate motorized equipment and vehicles

Use computer programs (Word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and Internet)

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

Adhere to the organization’s policies, procedures and regulations

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 Seasonal 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.