Association Of Zoos & Aquariums
Elephant Odyssey Wildlife Care Specialist - Full Time - San Diego Zoo
Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
Elephant Odyssey Wildlife Care Specialist - Full Time - San Diego Zoo
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 Wildlife Care Supervisor. The Wildlife Care Specialist works under supervision, performing a wide range of semi‑routine functions at either the Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park and 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, problem‑solve based on experience and observation, and follow proper procedures.
Prepares food and water for animals; loads and unloads food from trucks; feeds animals.
Observes assigned animals.
Safety: Must safely manage the daily care of non‑domesticated wild animals representing multiple dangerous species, following SOPs in each animal area.
Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals and provides species‑appropriate enrichment.
Assists medical staff in treating wildlife and moving animals.
Performs minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures, reports maintenance needs, and operates a variety of light and medium equipment.
Professionalism: Abides by the SDZWA Rules of Engagement, fosters a positive work environment promoting trust and integrity, accepts responsibility and is accountable, and makes decisions that support the organization’s goals.
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 maintains feeding records.
Flexibility/Adaptability: Quickly processes and responds to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment, accepts irregular shift times, last‑minute schedule changes, workload variability, and changing of daily tasks, and adapts to variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS).
What We Are Looking For Minimum of one year of carnivore and/or hoof stock experience required; elephant experience preferred.
Job Experience Education, training and/or experience that clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined. Examples include 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.
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, and public speaking.
Ability to respond to cautions from co‑workers, monitor animal behavior and appearance, operate motorised 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 prioritise, understand and follow directions effectively, deal tactfully and courteously with others, adhere to the organization’s policies, procedures and regulations, and 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 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 Position Type: Hourly Full‑time non‑exempt union position – if selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union.
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What You Will Do
Decision‑making: Must have independent and critical thinking ability to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal care situations, problem‑solve based on experience and observation, and follow proper procedures.
Prepares food and water for animals; loads and unloads food from trucks; feeds animals.
Observes assigned animals.
Safety: Must safely manage the daily care of non‑domesticated wild animals representing multiple dangerous species, following SOPs in each animal area.
Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals and provides species‑appropriate enrichment.
Assists medical staff in treating wildlife and moving animals.
Performs minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures, reports maintenance needs, and operates a variety of light and medium equipment.
Professionalism: Abides by the SDZWA Rules of Engagement, fosters a positive work environment promoting trust and integrity, accepts responsibility and is accountable, and makes decisions that support the organization’s goals.
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 maintains feeding records.
Flexibility/Adaptability: Quickly processes and responds to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment, accepts irregular shift times, last‑minute schedule changes, workload variability, and changing of daily tasks, and adapts to variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS).
What We Are Looking For Minimum of one year of carnivore and/or hoof stock experience required; elephant experience preferred.
Job Experience Education, training and/or experience that clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined. Examples include 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.
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, and public speaking.
Ability to respond to cautions from co‑workers, monitor animal behavior and appearance, operate motorised 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 prioritise, understand and follow directions effectively, deal tactfully and courteously with others, adhere to the organization’s policies, procedures and regulations, and 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 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 Position Type: Hourly Full‑time non‑exempt union position – if selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union.
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