Wildlife Training Manager - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The Wildlife Training Manager is responsible for developing wildlife training goals, through operant conditioning, behavioral and environmental enrichment, and managing staff in related activities. This position reports to Curator of Mammals, Elephants, Ambassadors, and Applied Behavior.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Responsible for assigned wildlife care staff including, but not limited to, hiring, performance management, coaching and counseling and terminations.
• Evaluates, adjusts, and coordinates husbandry standards and techniques applied to an assigned wildlife population collection according to a zoological master plan.
• Frequently inspects and observes wildlife population for overall health and welfare including ensuring dietary requirement standards are met.
• Under direction develops, coordinates, guides, and recommends taxa specific husbandry management policies, training regimens and procedures for ambassador animals and interactive programs.
• Evaluates, adjusts, and coordinates husbandry standards and techniques applied to an assigned wildlife population according to a zoological master plan.
• Ensures the animal welfare standards are upheld and improved upon where necessary according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Animal Welfare Policy taking into consideration legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
• Oversees and participates in the preparation and maintenance of a variety of wildlife population records required for management. 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Candidate will be overseeing projects and recommending facility design and improvement.
• Able to build cohesive teams and create development opportunities for learning and succession planning.
• Understands USDA and AZA compliance.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Two years’ experience training and caring for a large variety of wildlife and developing presentations, programs or training goals for managed staff 
• Experience working with represented labor unions 

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of operant conditioning, enrichment, and husbandry techniques
• Ability to effectively lead a team
• Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Able to deal tactfully and courteously with others
• Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet systems
• Able to prepare and deliver presentations
• Understand union contracts regarding labor use restrictions
• Able to develop and manage budgets
• Knowledge of construction cost estimating

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