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

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•Escondido, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wildlife Care Specialist provides feeding and general care and welfare for assigned wildlife at the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Working under general supervision, the specialist performs a wide range of semi-routine animal-care functions and fosters positive relationships with internal and external customers. The role requires sound judgment when responding to expected and unexpected animal-care situations, following area-specific safety procedures, and adapting professionally to changing animal conditions, workloads, schedules, and work locations. This position reports to a Lead or Supervisor. The specialist prepares food and water, feeds and observes animals, maintains health and behavior records, provides species-appropriate enrichment, assists medical staff with treatment and animal moves, supports animal training, administers prescribed medication, and maintains feeding records. The role also includes cleaning and disinfecting animal habitats, pools, sleeping and service areas, utensils and work tools; reporting abnormal animal conditions and maintenance needs; performing minor or routine habitat maintenance; and operating light and medium equipment. The position is an hourly, full-time, non-exempt union role located in Escondido, California. The hourly rate is $31.98. A California driver license is required within 30 days of hire. If selected, union fees and dues apply.

Requirements

High school diploma.
California driver license within 30 days.
Education, training, and/or experience demonstrating 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, motivate others, multitask and prioritize, understand and follow directions, deal tactfully and courteously with others, follow organizational policies and procedures, and perform the essential job functions.
Ability to accept irregular shift times, last-minute schedule changes, varying workloads, changing daily tasks, and work at variable locations.

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.

Responsibilities

Prepare food and water for animals, load and unload food from trucks, and feed animals.
Observe assigned animals and monitor their behavior and appearance.
Safely manage daily care of non-domesticated wild animals and follow the standard operating procedures for each animal area.
Maintain appropriate health and behavior records for assigned animals and 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.
Clean habitat areas, pools, animal sleeping areas, and service areas.
Report abnormal conditions.
Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers.
Participate in and support animal training programs.
Administer prescribed medication and keep feeding records.
Respond appropriately to cautions from coworkers and adapt to changing animal-care situations, schedules, workload, tasks, and work locations.
Foster a positive work environment, accept responsibility, and make decisions that support organizational goals.