Job Description
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 Great Apes experience preferred.
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 - Education, training and/or experience, which would clearly demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined. An example of which would be experience demonstrating these skills in a comparable zoological facility preferred.
- 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
- 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: $25.09
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.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, For contractors, Work experience placement, Local area, Immediate start, Worldwide, Shift work,