Wildlife Care Specialist - (Primates) - San Diego Zoo

Are you inspired to be a part of an organization committed to protecting wildlife around the globe? San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a mission-based, non-profit wildlife conservation organization with two world famous front doors where we unite our passion for wildlife, expertise in wildlife care, and conservation science to save species from the brink of extinction. Our commitment is to provide visits to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park as opportunities to learn about and engage with best-in-class conservation work, and how that work is changing outcomes for wildlife everyday.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Wildlife Care Specialist - Primates will support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission of saving species worldwide by overseeing all aspects of the safe care and handling of an assigned animal collection; contributes to collection strategic planning. This position reports to the Lead or Supervisor.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

• Prepares food and water for exhibit animals
• Loads and unloads food from trucks
• Feeds exhibit animals
• Administers prescribed medication and keeps feeding records
• Observes assigned animals
• Reports abnormal conditions to superiors
• Cleans exhibit areas, pools, animal sleeping areas and service areas
• Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers
• Provides species-appropriate enrichment to assigned animals
• Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals
• Responds to questions from the public concerning exhibits
• Provides exhibit security
• Participates in capturing, incapacitating and moving animals
• Participates in and supports animal training programs
• Assists medical staff in treating animals
• Performs minor or routine maintenance on exhibit enclosures
• Reports maintenance needs
• Operates a variety of light and medium equipment
• Adheres to all SDZWA and department policies and practices

Safety: Must be able to safely manage the daily care of non-domesticated wild animals representing multiple dangerous species. This requires the knowledge of and ability to follow SOPs in each animal area.

Decision-making: Must have independent and critical thinking ability to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal care situations. Must be able to problem solve based on experience and observation and must be able to follow proper procedures.

Flexibility/Adaptability: Must be able to quickly process and respond to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment. Must be able to accept irregular shift times, last minute schedule changes, variance in workload, and changing of daily tasks. Must be able to respond appropriately to the collection animals' dynamic social and physical states.

Professionalism: Employees are expected to abide by the SDZWA Rules of Engagement. Must foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity. Must be able to accept responsibility and be accountable. Must make decisions that support the goals of the organization.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

This position is in the Primate Department as a full time benefitted Wildlife Care Specialist. Qualifications include: A minimum of two years working with primates in a zoological setting is required. Primate husbandry and behavioral knowledge, a basic understanding of operant conditioning, and the care and feeding of wild animals. Safety practices around wild animals are required. Guest interactions/ public presentations are required. The qualified candidate is expected to be a team player and have good communication skills. A bachelor's degree is highly desired. Interested applicants must be available to work any of the seven days of the week for day or evening shifts. Valid California driver license is required. This position requires successful completion of physical ability test.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, or other related field preferred
• Valid California driver license in good standing

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Animal behavior
• Animal biology and zoology
• Care, feeding and handling of wild animals
• Safety practices around wild animals
• Techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals
• Public Speaking
• Respond to cautions from co-workers
• Monitor animal behavior and appearance
• Operate motorized equipment and vehicles
• Use computer programs (Word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and Internet)
• 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
• Adhere to the organization's policies, procedures and regulations
• 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

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego Zoo - Primates Department
• Duration: Year round
• Union Position: $23.34
• If selected, there are union fees and dues to be paid to the Union
• Candidates must be available for an interview if contacted. Full job description available upon request.

THIS EMPLOYER PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE IS AN EEO/AA/DISABILITY/PROTECTED VETERAN EMPLOYER - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance makes every effort to ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals and abides by EEO and nondiscrimination provisions of all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. 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.

Join our team and build a career protecting wildlife around the globe with your passion for wildlife!

Apply Now

• 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA