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

San Diego Zoo Safari Park • Escondido, CA

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About The Position

The Wildlife Care Specialist supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission of saving species worldwide by providing care and welfare for assigned wildlife. Under general supervision, the role performs a wide range of semi-routine animal-care functions at the Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park and builds positive relationships with internal and external customers. This position reports to a Lead or Supervisor.

The specialist prepares and provides food and water, observes animals, maintains health and behavior records, and provides species-appropriate enrichment. The role also supports veterinary treatment and animal moves, administers prescribed medication, participates in animal training programs, performs minor habitat maintenance, and cleans and disinfects animal and service areas. Work involves safely caring for non-domesticated animals, following area-specific procedures, and adapting to changing animal conditions, tasks, schedules, and work locations.

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, and care, feeding, and handling of wild animals.
• Knowledge of safety practices around wild animals and techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals.
• Ability to respond to cautions from coworkers and monitor animal behavior and appearance.
• Ability to operate motorized equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to use word-processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and Internet programs.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with others in a diverse team environment and motivate others.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, understand and follow directions, and deal tactfully and courteously with others.
• Ability to follow organizational policies, procedures, and regulations and competently perform the essential functions.
• Ability to use independent and critical thinking, solve problems based on experience and observation, and follow proper procedures.
• Ability to accept irregular shift times, last-minute schedule changes, workload variation, and changing daily tasks.

Nice To Haves

• 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 assigned animals.
• Observe assigned animals and monitor their behavior and appearance.
• Maintain appropriate health and behavior records and feeding records.
• Provide species-appropriate enrichment.
• Assist medical staff with wildlife treatment and animal moves.
• Perform minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures and report maintenance needs.
• Operate 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.
• Follow safety procedures and standard operating procedures when caring for non-domesticated wild animals.
• Respond professionally to novel situations, animal behavior changes, schedule changes, and changing daily tasks.
• Work at variable locations, including the Zoo, Safari Park, field, or CS.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED