Neonatal Wildlife Care Specialist

Facility

San Diego Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Wildlife Care Specialist 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 wildlife collection. This position reports to the Lead or Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
Prepares food and water for habitat wildlife
Loads and unloads food from trucks
Feeds exhibit wildlife
Administers prescribed medication and keeps feeding records
Observes assigned wildlife
Reports abnormal conditions to superiors
Cleans exhibit areas, pools, wildlife sleeping areas and service areas
Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers
Provides species-appropriate enrichment to assigned wildlife
Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned wildlife
Responds to questions from the public concerning exhibits
Provides exhibit security
Participates in capturing, incapacitating and moving wildlife
Participates in and supports wildlife training programs
Assists medical staff in treating wildlife
Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
Reports maintenance needs
Operates a variety of light and medium equipment

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Neonatal Wildlife Care Specialist will be responsible for working cooperatively with Wildlife Care teams, Veterinary Services, and Nutritional Services to provide feeding and 24 hour developmental care to neonates requiring human assistance, as needed, throughout the San Diego Zoo. Additionally, the Neonatal Wildlife Care Specialist will be responsible for feeding and providing of the general care and welfare of assigned habitat and ambassador animals, cleaning habitat enclosures and contiguous areas, providing habitat security and performing related work as required as a member of the Basecamp team. This position will include the opportunity to work with/present ambassador animals if desired.

Applicants must have two years of experience working in a zoological setting with at least one year of neonatal assisted care. This dynamic position will also be working with our Free Contact Exotic Animal Ambassadors, and so one year in that specialty is also preferred but with the greater emphasis on Neonatal experience. Applicants must be available to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Position will be 40 hours a week with mandatory overtime at times. This position requires successful completion of physical ability test. This position involves work with susceptible species; you will be required to show proof of COVID-19 and measles vaccine as a condition of employment.

JOB EXPERIENCE
One to two years of work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where appropriate knowledge and skills in wildlife care could be acquired.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Life Science, or other related field preferred.
Current valid California Driver’s License in good standing.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Wildlife behavior
Wildlife biology and zoology
Care, feeding and handling of wild wildlife
Safety practices around wild wildlife
Techniques for restraining or capturing wild wildlife
Public Speaking
Deal tactfully and courteously with others
Adhere to the organization’s policies, procedures and regulations
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