Wildlife Care Specialist Hospital - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•San Diego, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wildlife Care Specialist Hospital under general supervision, feeds, maintains surveillance over all wildlife and provides routine care for all wildlife (mammals, reptiles and birds) quartered in the hospital area. This position reports to the Veterinary Services Wildlife Care Supervisor, Veterinary Services Manager, or designated staff. This class performs a wide range of standard duties and is distinguished from the Wildlife Care Specialist classification in that this position works exclusively in the Hospital and must handle, care for, and observe all types of wildlife (bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian).

Requirements

12-16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology, or animal husbandry required
High School Diploma Required
Valid California Driver License Upon Hire required
Knowledge of animal behavior; animal biology and anatomy; zoology
Knowledge of techniques for immobilizing, handling and moving wild animals
Knowledge of safety practices for working with wild animals
Knowledge of care, feeding, and set-up of animals
Knowledge of requirements for quarantine guidelines
Ability to respond to cautions from co-workers
Ability to monitor wildlife behavior and appearance
Ability to operate motorized equipment and vehicles
Ability to use computer programs and electronic medical record keeping systems (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, ZIMS, and Internet)
Ability to work in a diverse team environment and motivate others
Ability to multi-task and prioritize
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with others
Ability to communicate and work effectively with others
Ability to work in a team environment and independently
Ability to understand and follow directions effectively
Ability to adhere to the organizations’ policies, procedures, and regulations
Knowledge of governmental and accreditation rules and regulations

Nice To Haves

Prior animal care in a zoological or hospital setting preferred
Public speaking
SDZ Wildlife Alliance hospital policies, rules and practices

Responsibilities

Ensure overall care and well-being of patient, housed, and quarantine wildlife while at hospital, including appropriate habitat setup, diet preparation, feeding, habitat cleaning and disinfection
Under general supervision, assists Wildlife Health staff with immobilization, medical procedures, and relocation of wildlife between hospital and grounds
Perform accurate and complete record keeping, including ICU logs, treatment sheets, ZIMS, welfare assessments, and other required reports on general health, habits, behavior, fecal output, and appetite of wildlife under care
Medicate and provide treatment to patient wildlife, including those with compromised health. Communicated clearly with wildlife health staff regarding wildlife health needs
Dedicated to providing and promoting the relationship our wildlife have with their environment at every opportunity and in every aspect of our wildlife care programs