Elephants Wildlife Care Specialist - Full Time Seasonal - San Diego Zoo Safari Park
About The Position
The Wildlife Care Specialist, under general supervision, feeds and provides for the general care and welfare of assigned wildlife. The role performs a wide range of semi-routine functions and works under a Lead or Supervisor. Specialists are expected to build positive relationships with internal and external customers and support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission to save species worldwide through wildlife care, conservation science, and education. The position requires independent and critical thinking to respond to expected and unexpected animal-care situations, follow procedures, and adjust professionally to changing schedules, workloads, tasks, animal conditions, and work locations. It involves safely caring for non-domesticated wild animals, including dangerous species, while following area-specific standard operating procedures. Work may take place at the Zoo, Safari Park, in the field, or at CS.
Requirements
- High school diploma.
- California driver license within 30 days.
- Education, training, and/or experience demonstrating the essential functions, knowledge, and skills of the role.
- Knowledge of animal behavior, animal biology and zoology, care, feeding and handling of wild animals, safety practices around wild animals, and techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals.
- Ability to respond to cautions from co-workers; monitor animal behavior and appearance; operate motorized equipment and vehicles; use word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and internet programs; communicate and work effectively with others; work in a diverse team environment and motivate others; multitask and prioritize; understand and follow directions; deal tactfully and courteously with others; follow organizational policies, procedures, and regulations; and perform the essential job functions.
- Ability to accept irregular shift times, last-minute schedule changes, variable workloads, changing daily tasks, and work at variable locations.
Nice To Haves
- 12 to 16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology, or animal husbandry.
- Work experience in a zoo or similar environment where appropriate animal-care knowledge and skills could be acquired.
- Public speaking knowledge or skills.
Responsibilities
- Prepare food and water, load and unload food from trucks, and feed animals.
- Observe assigned animals and monitor their condition and behavior.
- Follow safety procedures and standard operating procedures when caring for non-domesticated wild animals, including dangerous species.
- Maintain appropriate health and behavior records for assigned animals.
- Provide species-appropriate enrichment.
- Assist medical staff with treating wildlife and moving animals.
- Perform minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures and report maintenance needs.
- Operate a variety of light and medium equipment.
- 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 maintain feeding records.
- Respond appropriately to novel situations and changes in animals’ social and physical states.
- Build positive working relationships, accept responsibility, remain accountable, and make decisions that support organizational goals.
Benefits
- Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
- Family passes.
- Complimentary tickets.
- Free parking at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
- Local and in-house discounts.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Wellness Program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
