Hunte Ampitheater Wildlife Care Specialist, Behavior

Facility

San Diego Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Wildlife Care Behavior Specialist will support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission of saving species worldwide by training, handling, and caring for wildlife used for public appearances and contact, such as educational programs. This position reports to a Wildlife Care Supervisor/Manager.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
Train wildlife in new behaviors and reinforce trained behaviors
Transport wildlife to exhibit or performances
Assist Wildlife Care Associates at performance
Sets up props, stages, or other performance areas
Control wildlife to ensure public safety
Feed wildlife, keep feeding, medication and other records regarding wildlife care
Administer prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
Assist medical staff in treatment of wildlife
Conduct special tours
Train a wide variety of wildlife so that they may be used in public appearances, wildlife walk-around programs, wildlife workshops, school assemblies
Observe assigned wildlife with regard to general appearance, health, feeding habits
Clean and perform minor maintenance on wildlife habitats
May operate light and medium duty motorized equipment, such as trucks, skip loaders, water trucks and forklifts
Make informational presentations to the public
Answer questions and provides information to the public regarding assigned wildlife

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Wildlife Care Specialist, Behavior on the Africa Rocks Encounters team will be working with free contact, exotic wildlife ambassadors, including free flight birds. The team is looking for candidates that have great communication and public speaking skills, along with the requirements listed below. Applicants will need to have the ability to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays. This position requires the successful completion of a physical abilities test, and because this position involves work with susceptible species; you will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment.

JOB EXPERIENCE
One or more years of experience as a Wildlife Care Associate at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance or comparable organization.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
Current valid California Driver’s license in good standing

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Wildlife behavior
Wildlife behavior modification
Care, feeding and handling of wildlife
Safety practices around wildlife
SDZWA policies, procedures and regulations regarding the care, handling and training of wildlife
Train and control wildlife
Discriminate differences in animal vocalizations
Monitor wildlife 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 wildlife behavior and appearance
Operate motorized equipment and vehicles
Competently perform the essential functions outlined above

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: San Diego, CA
Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Position – If selected, there will be dues and fees to be paid to the Union
Hourly Rate: $24.29

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits