Zoological Care Specialists are responsible for the daily care, feeding and enrichment of animals in the assigned collection or section. Duties include maintaining cleanliness of animal enclosures and ensuring that Zoo policies and protocols are followed consistently. This position will regularly interact with Zoo guests to answer questions, provide animal information, and ensure an excellent guest experience.
- This position will primarily be assigned to Sea Lion Cove section which cares for a group of California sea lions, Harbor seals, Giant anteater, Two-toed Sloth, Ring-tailed lemurs, and the critically endangered Red wolf but may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the Animal Management team.
- Now is the time to join a team of passionate and engaged staff who are excited about the expansion of our organization. We deliver exceptional guest experiences, astounding animal care, and education opportunities for all ages.
- Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis.
- The pay range for this position is $17 - $26 per hour.
- Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience.
ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets at designated times; sees that animals have sufficient water that is refreshed regularly throughout each day.
- Implements effective behavioral enrichment for selected animals.
- Observes animals’ behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.
- Maintains accurate feeding, health, and welfare records of assigned animals.
- Thoroughly cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures and ensures cleanliness throughout the day. Maintains adequate stock of all section supplies and reports low inventory levels to manager in a timely manner.
- Exercise good judgement when making choices that affect our collection.
- Effectively trains animals in designated section on established behaviors only according to zoo policies and procedures. Training or reshaping of behaviors only, according to soo policies and procedures, Training or reshaping of behaviors will be done under direct supervision of ZCS 2 or 3.
- Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section, including medication preparation and administration.
- Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events.
- Watches for and immediately reports any vandalism or animal welfare concerns.
- Completes animal welfare assessments under direct supervision of ZCS 2 or 3 as assigned by manager in the allotted time frame and works with team to problem solve welfare concerns.
- Crates and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
- Provides training and guidance to seasonal ZCS and volunteers assigned in the section.
- Performs special assignments and projects as requested and assists with other shifts as needed.
ZCS II:
- Effectively trains animals in designated section according to zoo policies and procedures. Completes animal welfare assessments as assigned by manager in the allotted time frame and works with team to problem solve welfare concerns. Provides training and guidance to seasonal ZCS, ZCS & ZCS I, and volunteers assigned in the section.
ZCS III:
- In addition to ZCS II essential accountabilities, writes protocols and routines for assigned section and updates standard operating procedures and other section protocols as assigned by Zoological Area Manager.
- Assists Zoological Animal Manager in the planning and coordinating of daily operations within the animal care section. May be trained in Recapture Coordinator role.
- May participate in animal transfers between zoological facilities.
- Provides training and guidance to seasonal ZCS, ZCS, and volunteers assigned in the section.
- May apply for studbook keeper, program leader, institutional representative, and other committee roles in AZA programs as approved by area manager.
QUALIFICATIONS
- ZCS Level Requirements:
- ZCS : Minimum 3 months part time (377 hours) related experience in a zoological or animal facility.
- ZCS I: Minimum 6 months related experience in a zoological or wildlife facility
- ZCS II: Minimum 18 months related experience in a zoological or wildlife facility.
- ZCS III: Minimum five years and 6 months related paid experience in a zoological or wildlife facility.
- Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public. Bilingual skills a plus.
- Valid California driver’s license and good driving record may be required for placement on specific animal teams.
- Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.
- Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.
- Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
- This position is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel; use hands and arms for care of animals and cleaning of enclosures.
- Regularly required to climb stairs or ladders.
- The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally team lift up to 75 pounds.
- Evaluating animal health, diet, or environment requires sight, hearing and sense of smell.
- Visual acuity to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior. Color perception is also required.
- Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The position functions both indoors and outdoors, with potential exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
- The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.
- The employee may be required to work at heights.
- Occasional travel may be required.
