Wildlife Care Specialist, Behavior - Full Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The Wildlife Car Specialist, Behavior 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.

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
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