Wildlife Care Specialist, Behavior San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Wildlife Care Specialist, Behavior - Full Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

• Trains wildlife in new behaviors and reinforces trained behaviors
• Prepares wildlife for a variety of stimuli, location and health maintenance using positive methods and participation from the animal
• Prepares and feed wildlife
• Manages wildlife to ensure public safety
• Transports wildlife to habitat or location for sharing conservation/sustainability messaging. Assists handlers, set up props, stages or other areas
• Assists medical staff in treatment of assigned wildlife
• Makes informational presentations to the public
• Cleans and maintains habitats and work areas
• Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
• Keeps feeding, medication and other records regarding wildlife care
• Answers questions and provides information to the public regarding assigned wildlife

• Preferred candidate with experience working with a variety of taxa, including small mammals, carnivores, and birds

Education, training and experience, which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined; an example would be two or more years experience as a wildlife handler at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance or a comparable organization, preferred.

• High School Diploma Required
• California Driver License within 30 days required

• Knowledge of:
  • Animal behavior
  • Animal behavior modification
  • Care, feeding and handling of wild animals
  • Safety practices around wild animals
  • SDZWA policies, procedures and regulations regarding the care, handling and training of exhibit animals
• Ability to:
  • Train and modify behavior in a variety of environments
  • Discriminate differences in animal vocalizations
  • Monitor animal behavior
  • Keep simple records
  • Communicate and work effectively with others (verbal and written)
  • Deal tactfully and courteously with the others in a diverse environment
  • Respond to cautions from co-workers
  • Monitor animal behavior and appearance
  • Operate motorized equipment and vehicles
  • Competently perform the essential functions outlined above

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

Position Type:
Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union