Wildlife Care Specialist, Behavior - Full Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park
About The Position
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions. HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION The Wildlife Care Specialist Behavior 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 Behavior, under general supervision, performs a wide variety of functions in the training, handling and care of wildlife used for public appearances and contact, such as educational programs. This position reports to the Wildlife Training Supervisor or Manager. The Wildlife Care Specialist Behavior performs a wide variety of moderately difficult tasks involved in preparing wildlife for public contact and presentations.
Requirements
- High School Diploma Required
- California Driver License within 30 days required
- Knowledge of: Animal behavior
- Animal behavior modification
- Care, feeding and handling of wild animals
- Safety practices around wild animals
- SDZWA policies, procedures and regulations regarding the care, handling and training of exhibit animals
- Ability to: Train and modify behavior in a variety of environments
- Discriminate differences in animal vocalizations
- Monitor animal behavior
- Keep simple records
- Communicate and work effectively with others (verbal and written)
- Deal tactfully and courteously with the others in a diverse environment
- Respond to cautions from co-workers
- Monitor animal behavior and appearance
- Operate motorized equipment and vehicles
- Competently perform the essential functions outlined above
Nice To Haves
- Preferred candidate with experience working with a variety of taxa, including small mammals, carnivores, and birds
- Education, training and experience, which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined; an example would be two or more years experience as a wildlife handler at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance or a comparable organization, preferred.
Responsibilities
- Trains wildlife in new behaviors and reinforces trained behaviors
- Prepares wildlife for a variety of stimuli, location and health maintenance using positive methods and participation from the animal
- Prepares and feed wildlife
- Conducts special tours
- Manages wildlife to ensure public safety
- Transports wildlife to habitat or location for sharing conservation/sustainability messaging. Assists handlers, set up props, stages or other areas
- Assists medical staff in treatment of assigned wildlife
- Makes informational presentations to the public
- Cleans and maintains habitats and work areas
- Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
- Keeps feeding, medication and other records regarding wildlife care
- Answers questions and provides information to the public regarding assigned wildlife
Benefits
- Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
