Birds Wildlife Care Associate - Full Time Seasonal - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

• The Wildlife Care Associate will support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission of saving species worldwide by handling trained wildlife used in visitor presentations, public contact, and educational programs.
• This position reports to a Wildlife Care Supervisor/Manager. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Handles trained wildlife
• Reinforces trained behavior
• Transports wildlife from compound areas to show areas
• Provides public with information and answers questions regarding wildlife
• Feeds and cares for assigned wildlife
• Cleans and maintains animal compound areas
• Exercises wildlife
• Provides general grooming of wildlife
• Prepares and feeds wildlife
• Keeps feeding records
• Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
• Maintains logs and records concerning animal health and care
• Observes wildlife

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking a individual who is inspired to be a part of an organization that is committed to protecting wildlife around the globe.
• Looking for a team player with experience working exotic wildlife with emphasis on birds in an accredited zoo or equivalent sanctuary-like organization that manages exotic wildlife. 
• Experience with a variety of bird families including waterfowl, pelicans, cranes, storks, vultures, and small aviary birds (tanagers, starlings, lapwings, bee eaters, etc.) preferred.
• Ideal candidate with husbandry and behavioral knowledge, understanding of operant conditioning and experience handling, caring, and feeding exotic birds.

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, Animal Science, Animal Management, or other related field preferred.
• Current valid California Driver’s License in good standing. 

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Wildlife behavior
• Care, feeding and handling of wildlife
• Safety practices around wildlife
• Animal biology; zoology
• Learn the handling and control of a variety of trained wildlife
• Discriminate differences in animal vocalizations
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public
• Keep simple records
• Effectively communicate (verbal and written)
• Operate motorized equipment and vehicles 

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
• Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!
• At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
• 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.
• As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.

Salary

• $23.59 hourly