Elephant Odyssey Wildlife Care Specialist - Part Time - San Diego Zoo

Elephant Odyssey Wildlife Care Specialist - Part Time - San Diego Zoo

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.

• 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.
• Prepare food and water for animals; load and unload food from trucks; feed animals.
• Observe 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.
• Maintain appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals. Provide species‑appropriate enrichment to assigned animals.
• Participate in assisting medical staff in treating wildlife and moving animals.
• Perform minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures; report maintenance needs; operate a variety of light and medium equipment.
• Professionalism:
  Employees are expected to abide by the SDZWA Rules of Engagement, foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity, accept responsibility and be accountable, and make decisions that support the goals of the organization.
• 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.
• Flexibility/Adaptability:
  Must be able to quickly process and respond to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment. Accept irregular shift times, last‑minute schedule changes, variance in workload, and changing of daily tasks; respond appropriately to the animals’ dynamic social and physical states; work at variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS).

Minimum of one year of carnivore and/or hoof stock experience required; elephant experience is preferred.

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.

• 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.
• 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 Part‑Time Non‑Exempt Union Position — If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union.