Primate Wildlife Care Specialist - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•San Diego, CA

8d•$32 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

A minimum of one to two years working with primates in a Zoological setting.
Qualifications include primate husbandry and behavioral knowledge, a basic understanding of operant conditioning, and the care and feeding of wildlife.
Safety practices around wildlife are required.
Guest interactions/public presentations are required.
The qualified candidate is expected to be a team player and have good communication skills.
This position involves work with susceptible species; you will be required to show proof of TB and Measles vaccine as a condition of employment.
Position also requires successful completion of a physical ability test.
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.
High School Diploma Required
California Driver License within 30 Days required
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

Responsibilities

Prepares food and water for animals, Loads and unloads food from trucks, Feeds animals
Observes assigned animals
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.
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