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

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•Escondido, CA

5d•Onsite

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 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. WHAT YOU WILL DO Decision-making: Must have independent and critical thinking ability to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal care situations. Must be able to problem solve based on experience and observation and must be able to follow proper procedures. Prepares food and water for animals, Loads and unloads food from trucks, Feeds animals Observes assigned animals Safety: Must be able to safely manage the daily care of non-domesticated wild animals representing multiple dangerous species. This requires the knowledge of and ability to follow SOPs in each animal area. 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. Professionalism: Employees are expected to abide by the SDZWA Rules of Engagement. Must foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity. Must be able to accept responsibility and be accountable. Must make decisions that support the goals of the organization. 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 Flexibility/Adaptability: Must be able to quickly process and respond to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment. Must be able to accept irregular shift times, last minute schedule changes, variance in workload, and changing of daily tasks. Must be able to respond appropriately to the animals’ dynamic social and physical states. Must be able to work at variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS).

Requirements

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