Elephants Wildlife Care Specialist

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Wildlife Care Specialist performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission and vision of saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in wildlife care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature and leading the fight against extinction. Under general supervision, this role feeds and provides for the general care and welfare of assigned wildlife (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, or birds) and reports to a Lead or Supervisor.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Wildlife Care Specialist class in that it works under supervision. The Wildlife Care Specialist performs a wide range of semi-routine functions at either the Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park and consistently demonstrates the desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

- Decision-making: Use independent and critical thinking to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal care situations, solve problems based on experience and observation, and follow proper procedures.

- Prepare food and water for animals, load and unload food from trucks, and feed animals.

- Observe assigned animals and report abnormal conditions.

- Safety: Safely manage the daily care of non-domesticated wild animals representing multiple dangerous species, requiring knowledge of and adherence to SOPs in each animal area.

- Maintain appropriate health, behavior, and feeding records on assigned animals, administer prescribed medication, and provide species-appropriate enrichment.

- Assist medical staff in treating and moving wildlife, and participate in and support animal training programs.

- Perform minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures, report maintenance needs, and operate a variety of light and medium equipment.

- Clean habitat areas, pools, animal sleeping areas, and service areas; clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers.

- Professionalism: Abide by the SDZWA Rules of Engagement, foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity, accept responsibility and accountability, and make decisions supporting organizational goals.

- Flexibility/Adaptability: Quickly process and respond to novel situations and dynamic animal social and physical states with professionalism and clear judgment. Accept irregular shift times, last-minute schedule changes, varying workloads, changing daily tasks, and variable work locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS).

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Preferred candidate with elephant experience and operant conditioning training experience.

JOB EXPERIENCE

Education, training, and/or experience clearly demonstrating the essential functions, knowledge, and skills outlined. Examples include 12 to 16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology, or animal husbandry, or work experience in a zoo or similar environment where appropriate animal care knowledge and skills were acquired (preferred).

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

- High School Diploma required.

- Valid California Driver License required within 30 days of hire.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

- Knowledge of:

- Animal behavior, biology, and zoology.

- Care, feeding, and handling of wild animals.

- Safety practices and techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals.

- Public speaking.

- Ability to:

- Respond to cautions from co-workers and monitor animal behavior and appearance.

- Operate motorized equipment and vehicles.

- Use computer programs (word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and internet).

- Communicate, deal tactfully and courteously, and work effectively in a diverse team environment while motivating others.

- Multi-task, prioritize, and understand and follow directions effectively.