Elephants Wildlife Care Specialist - Full Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Safari Park•Escondido, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wildlife Care Specialist performs assignments with a positive attitude in support of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission and vision. Under general supervision, this role feeds and provides for the general care and welfare of assigned wildlife. The position performs a wide range of semi-routine functions at the Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park and consistently works to build positive relationships with internal and external customers. It reports to a Lead or Supervisor. The role requires independent and critical thinking to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal-care situations, while following the procedures for each animal area. The specialist safely manages the daily care of non-domesticated animals, maintains health and behavior records, provides species-appropriate enrichment, supports medical care and animal training, performs minor habitat maintenance, and keeps animal and service areas clean. The position also requires adaptability to changing schedules, workloads, tasks, animal conditions, and work locations, which may include the Zoo, Safari Park, field, or CS.

Requirements

High school diploma.
California driver license within 30 days of starting.
Education, training, or experience that demonstrates 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 coworkers, monitor animal behavior and appearance, operate motorized equipment and vehicles, and use word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and internet programs.
Ability to 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 and procedures, and competently perform the essential functions.
Ability to think independently and critically, solve problems based on experience and observation, and follow proper procedures.
Ability to safely care for wild animals representing multiple dangerous species.
Ability to accept irregular shift times, last-minute schedule changes, variable workloads, and changing daily tasks.
Ability to work at variable locations, including the Zoo, Safari Park, field, and CS.

Nice To Haves

Elephant experience.
Operant conditioning training experience.
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.

Responsibilities

Prepare food and water for animals, load and unload food from trucks, and feed assigned animals.
Observe assigned animals and monitor their behavior and appearance.
Safely manage daily care of non-domesticated wild animals, following applicable standard operating procedures.
Maintain appropriate health and behavior records for assigned animals.
Provide species-appropriate enrichment.
Assist medical staff in 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, motorized equipment, and vehicles.
Clean habitat areas, pools, animal sleeping areas, and service areas.
Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers.
Participate in and support animal training programs.
Administer prescribed medication and maintain feeding records.
Respond professionally and use clear judgment in novel situations and adapt to schedule changes, workload variations, changing tasks, and animals’ dynamic social and physical states.