Job Description

We are excited that you are continuing to grow your career with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and recognize that 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 Lead Wildlife Care Specialist under general direction, supervises and participates in the feeding and general care and welfare of assigned habitat wildlife (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates or birds). This position reports to the Wildlife Care Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Assigns and supervises the work of Wildlife Care Specialist personnel
• Responsible for the feeding and general care and welfare of assigned habitat wildlife
• Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
• Keeps feeding records
• Observes assigned wildlife
• Reports abnormal conditions to superiors
• Cleans habitat areas, pools, wildlife sleeping areas and service areas
• Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers
• Maintains health and behavior records on assigned wildlife
• Answers questions from the public concerning habitat wildlife
• Provides habitat security
• Participates in capturing, incapacitating and moving habitat wildlife
• Assists medical staff in treating wildlife
• Performs minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures
• Reports the need for major maintenance and repairs
• Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
• Performs minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures
• Reports maintenance needs
• Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Preferred candidate with experience working with elephants for a minimum of five years in a lead or relief lead role

• JOB EXPERIENCE
◦ Education, training, and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined. And
◦ Several years of experience as a Wildlife Care Specialist in a comparable zoological garden.
• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
◦ Current valid California Driver’s License in good standing
• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
◦ Wildlife behavior
◦ Animal biology; zoology
◦ Care, feeding and handling of wildlife
◦ Safety practices around wildlife
◦ Techniques for restraining or capturing wildlife
◦ San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's policies, procedures and regulations
◦ Effective leadership practices
◦ Operate a motor vehicle, when required
◦ Communicate and work effectively with others
◦ Work in a diverse team environment and motivate others
◦ Multi-task and prioritize
◦ Understand and follow directions effectively
◦ Deal tactfully and courteously with others
◦ Competently perform the representative duties outlined above
◦ Perform each essential job function at a high level

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Companion Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $39.93
Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
Please remember to notify your current Manager that you are applying. Thank you for your commitment to conservation around the globe!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

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.