Facility
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Wildlife Care Specialist – Neonatal Assisted Care Unit and Wildlife Ambassador will support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission of saving species worldwide by overseeing all aspects of the safe care and handling of an assigned animal collection. This position reports to the Lead or Supervisor.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Prepares food and water for exhibit animals
Loads and unloads food from trucks
Feeds exhibit animals
Administers prescribed medication and keeps feeding records
Observes assigned animals
Reports abnormal conditions to superiors
Cleans exhibit areas, pools, animal sleeping areas and service areas
Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers
Provides species-appropriate enrichment to assigned animals
Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals
Responds to questions from the public concerning exhibits
Provides exhibit security
Participates in capturing, incapacitating and moving animals
Participates in and supports animal training programs
Assists medical staff in treating animals
Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
Reports maintenance needs
Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
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.
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.
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 collection animals’ dynamic social and physical states.
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.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
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
Deal tactfully and courteously with others
Adhere to the organization’s policies, procedures and regulations
Experience working with neonates in a zoological park or similar institution is desirable
Knowledge/skill in the preparation of dietary formulas and feeding strategies for a wide variety of mammals
Must be able to work as a member of a team and have excellent interpersonal communication skills
Verbal and written communication skills are essential
General knowledge of computer applications (spreadsheets, etc.) is ideal
Experience working in a hospital setting is preferred
Education and Pre-requisites
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor Degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, or other related field preferred
Valid California driver license in good standing
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Qualified applicants must be flexible and available to work any of the seven days of the week: daytime, evening, overnight hours. This dynamic position will also will be working with our Free Contact Exotic Animal Ambassadors, so two years in that specialty is also preferred but with the greater emphasis on Neonatal experience.
Wildlife Care Specialist will be responsible for feeding and providing of the general care and welfare of assigned exhibit and ambassador animals, cleaning exhibit enclosures and contiguous areas, providing exhibit security and performing related work (Wildlife Presentations) as required. Applicants must have free contact animal ambassador experience. A Life Science degree, college education in a related field and/or experience or equivalent specialized training is necessary. This position requires successful completion of physical ability test.
JOB EXPERIENCE
Two years of direct experience working with neonates in a zoological setting
Working with spreadsheets, data entry, and mathematical calculations
Compensation and benefits
SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Family Passes
Complimentary Tickets
Local and In-House Discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
Location: Wildlife Explorers Basecamp – San Diego Zoo
Duration: Year round
Union Position: $23.34
Please note if selected you will be responsible for union initiation fees and monthly dues
Candidates must be available for an interview if contacted. Full job description will be provided upon request
Application instructions
Apply directly through the SDZWA website:
https://us60.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/sdzwa/Posting/View/5266