San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

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 will support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission of saving species worldwide by overseeing all aspects of the safe care and handling of an assigned wildlife collection. This position reports to the Lead or Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Prepares food and water for exhibit wildlife
Loads and unloads food from trucks
Feeds exhibit wildlife
Administers prescribed medication and keeps feeding records
Observes assigned wildlife
Reports abnormal conditions to superiors
Cleans exhibit areas, pools, wildlife sleeping areas and service areas
Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers
Provides species-appropriate enrichment to assigned wildlife
Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned wildlife
Responds to questions from the public concerning exhibits
Provides exhibit security
Participates in capturing, incapacitating and moving wildlife
Participates in and supports wildlife training programs
Assists medical staff in treating wildlife
Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
Reports maintenance needs
Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Applicants must have experience in the husbandry and maintenance of invertebrates. An educational background in entomology or general biology is highly desirable, as well as strong organizational skills and the ability to perform highly detail-oriented work. Familiarity with USDA/APHIS regulations as they apply to exotic arthropod collections is desirable, and applicants should have a strong working knowledge of wildlife welfare concepts and implementation. Applicants must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as public speaking ability and experience with formal and informal presentations. Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays. A good driving record and a valid driver license is required. This position requires the successful completion of a Physical Abilities Test.

This position involves work with susceptible species; you will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment.

JOB EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 2 years of work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where appropriate knowledge and skills in wildlife care and behavior management techniques would be acquired.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, or other related field preferred.
Current valid California Driver License in good standing
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Wildlife behavior
Wildlife biology and zoology
Care, feeding and handling of wildlife
Safety practices around wild wildlife
Techniques for restraining or capturing wildlife
Public Speaking and experience with presentations
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: San Diego, CA
Duration: Union Part-Time Hourly Non-Exempt Position – Please note if selected you will be responsible for union initiation fees and monthly dues
Hourly wage: $23.57
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 [email protected] 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