Job Postings

Wildlife Care Specialist – (Entomology) – San Diego Zoo

Facility

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Closing Date
January 28, 2022
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 exhibit 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

Applicants must have experience in the husbandry and maintenance of invertebrates. An educational background in entomology or general biology is highly desirable, as well as strong organizational skills and the ability to perform highly detail-oriented work. Familiarity with USDA/APHIS regulations as they apply to exotic arthropod collections is desirable, and applicants should have a strong working knowledge of wildlife welfare concepts and implementation. Applicants must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as public speaking ability and experience with formal and informal presentations. Interested applicants must be available to work any of the seven days of the week and be available evening and/or daytime hours. Typical scheduled work hours are 24-40 per week during the months of February-July for seasonal positions. Permanent part-time on-call positions can expect 16-24 hours weekly.

This position requires successfully completion of a physical ability test. 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
Minimum of 2 years of work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where appropriate knowledge and skills in wildlife care and behavior management techniques would be acquired.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor Degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, 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 wildlife
Safety practices around wild wildlife
Techniques for restraining or capturing wildlife
Public Speaking and experience with presentations
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
Duration: Union Seasonal Part-Time Hourly Non-Exempt Position – Please note if selected you will be responsible for union initiation fees and monthly dues
Hourly wage: $23.57 and SDZWA is pleased to offer a $1200 signing bonus for all new employees hired through April of 2022.
THIS EMPLOYER PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE IS AN EEO/AA/DISABILITY/PROTECTED VETERAN EMPLOYER

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our employees, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

SDZWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SDZWA will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ethnicity, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Apply directly through SDZWA website:

https://us61e2.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/sdzwa/Posting/View/7105