Lead Wildlife Care Specialist Hospital

The Lead WCS Hospital under general direction, supervises and participates in the feeding and general care and welfare of assigned wildlife (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates or birds) at hospital. This position reports to the Veterinary Services Wildlife Care Supervisor, Veterinary Services Manager, or designated staff.

• This class is distinguished from the next higher class, Wildlife Care Supervisor in that a Lead Wildlife Care Specialist Hospital is a working lead as opposed to being a full supervisor.
• The Lead WCS Hospital performs a wide variety of functions of moderate difficulty under general direction at either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
• The Lead WCS Hospital consistently demonstrates leadership qualities as well as the desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Ensures overall care and well-being of patient, housed, and quarantine wildlife while at hospital, including appropriate habitat setup, diet preparation, feeding, habitat cleaning and disinfection.
• Directs work of hospital wildlife care specialist personnel
• Assists Wildlife Health staff with immobilization, medical procedures, and relocation of wildlife between hospital and grounds. Coordinate with grounds staff for wildlife relocations between hospital and grounds.
• Medicates and provides treatment to patient wildlife, including those with compromised health. Communicates clearly with wildlife health staff regarding wildlife health needs.
• Performs accurate and complete record keeping, including ICU logs, treatment sheets, ZIMS, welfare assessments, and other required reports on general health, habits, behavior, fecal output, and appetite of wildlife under care
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that hospital wildlife areas comply with state, USDA, and AZA regulations and guidelines
• Dedicated to providing and promoting the relationship our wildlife have with their environment at every opportunity and in every aspect of our wildlife care programs

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• JOB EXPERIENCE
• Education, training, and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions and knowledge and skills outlined. Examples would be 12-16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology, or animal husbandry required. 
• Prior leadership in wildlife care in zoological or hospital setting preferred. 

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required
• Associates or Bachelors degree in related field, such as biology, zoology, animal science, etc is preferred.
• Current valid California Driver License in good standing

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of animal husbandry, animal behavior, animal biology and care of wild animals. 
• Knowledge of safety practices around wild animals. 
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle, including motorized equipment. 
• Able to communicate and work effectively with others in a diverse environment. 
• Able to operate computer programs and electronic medical record keeping systems (Word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, ZIMS, and Internet) 
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects with competing deadlines. 
• Able to handle difficult situations with a high level of tact and diplomacy. 
• Must have demonstrated ability to use critical thinking skills to respond to unexpected wildlife care situations. 
• Ability to demonstrate patience, respect and integrity while performing job. 
• Demonstrated ability of working in a team environment where reliance on peers is of the highest importance. 

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

Salary

• Hourly Rate: $32.40