San Diego Zoo
Wildlife Care Specialist - Full Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo, Escondido, California, United States, 92025
Overview
Wildlife Care Specialist - 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. Expired
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 9:59 AM Responsibilities
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. Prepare food and water for animals, load and unload food from trucks, and feed animals. Observe 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. Maintain appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals. Provide species-appropriate enrichment to assigned animals. Participate in assisting medical staff in treating wildlife and moving animals. Perform minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures. Report maintenance needs. Operate a variety of light and medium equipment. Professionalism: Abide by the SDZWA Rules of Engagement. Foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity. Accept responsibility and be accountable. Make decisions that support the goals of the organization. Clean habitat areas, pools, animal sleeping areas and service areas. Report abnormal conditions. Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools and containers. Participate in and support animal training programs. Administer prescribed medication and keep feeding records. Flexibility/Adaptability: Quickly process and respond to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment. Accept irregular shift times, last minute schedule changes, variance in workload, and changing daily tasks. Respond appropriately to the animals’ dynamic social and physical states. Work at variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS). Qualifications
What We Are Looking For Previous elephant experience with application of operant conditioning 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 Perks
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 Details
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 Important notices
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! 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 sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org with the job title and location. 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.
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Wildlife Care Specialist - 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. Expired
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 9:59 AM Responsibilities
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. Prepare food and water for animals, load and unload food from trucks, and feed animals. Observe 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. Maintain appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals. Provide species-appropriate enrichment to assigned animals. Participate in assisting medical staff in treating wildlife and moving animals. Perform minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures. Report maintenance needs. Operate a variety of light and medium equipment. Professionalism: Abide by the SDZWA Rules of Engagement. Foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity. Accept responsibility and be accountable. Make decisions that support the goals of the organization. Clean habitat areas, pools, animal sleeping areas and service areas. Report abnormal conditions. Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools and containers. Participate in and support animal training programs. Administer prescribed medication and keep feeding records. Flexibility/Adaptability: Quickly process and respond to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment. Accept irregular shift times, last minute schedule changes, variance in workload, and changing daily tasks. Respond appropriately to the animals’ dynamic social and physical states. Work at variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS). Qualifications
What We Are Looking For Previous elephant experience with application of operant conditioning 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 Perks
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 Details
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 Important notices
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! 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 sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org with the job title and location. 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.
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