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Safari Park Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Safari Park

Other Positions

Virginia, MN · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Zoo Crew - Guest Services Department The Virginia Safari Park seeks motivated individuals to join our Zoo Crew in the Guest Services Department. The ideal candidate must be friendly, outgoing, and ...

Association of Asian American Veterinary Medical Professionals

$130.42 - $146.72/hr

Informs protocols and practices to improve care and management of animals across the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and SDZWA's field programs. Collaborates with scientific colleagues within and outside ...

Lion Country Safari

Attendant - Amusement Park

Loxahatchee, FL · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Amusement Park Attendant Loxahatchee, FL Description Lion Country Safari is looking for a Full Time Amusement Park Attendant who has a positive attitude, excellent guest service, works well on a team ...

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Safari Park information

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$8

$46

$192

How much do safari park jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for safari park in the United States is $46.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a safari park worker do?

Safari Park workers are professionals who help operate and maintain safari parks, which are large wildlife reserves where visitors can observe animals in environments that resemble their natural habitats. Their roles can include animal care, guiding tours, educating guests about wildlife, ensuring visitor safety, maintaining park facilities, and supporting conservation efforts. Some may specialize in animal health as veterinary staff, while others focus on customer service or park maintenance. The work often involves a combination of outdoor activity, animal interaction, and public engagement. Safari Park workers play a crucial role in wildlife preservation and in providing educational and memorable experiences for visitors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a safari park ranger?

To thrive as a Safari Park Ranger, you need expertise in wildlife management, conservation principles, and often a degree in biology, zoology, or environmental science. Familiarity with GPS tracking, animal care software, and first aid certifications are typically required. Strong communication, public engagement, and crisis management skills help rangers educate visitors and handle emergencies. These abilities are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, guest safety, and effective conservation efforts in a dynamic park environment.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working in a safari park environment?

Staff members at a Safari Park often encounter unique challenges, such as managing the safety of both visitors and animals while maintaining an engaging educational experience. Working outdoors means adapting to varying weather conditions and sometimes dealing with unpredictable animal behavior. Additionally, effective teamwork and communication are essential, as staff must collaborate closely with animal care specialists, educators, and guest services to ensure smooth park operations. Flexibility and a strong commitment to animal welfare and guest satisfaction are crucial to thriving in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Safari Park vs Zookeeper?

AspectSafari ParkZookeeper
Primary RoleManaging and overseeing large-scale wildlife exhibits and safaris for public education and entertainmentCaring for and maintaining individual animals in zoo or wildlife sanctuary settings
Work EnvironmentOpen-air safari parks, large outdoor enclosures, public interaction areasZoo enclosures, animal habitats, indoor facilities
Required CredentialsWildlife management, environmental science, or related fields; certifications varyVeterinary technology, animal science, or related certifications

While both roles involve working with animals, Safari Park staff focus on managing large-scale exhibits and public safaris, whereas Zookeepers primarily care for individual animals within zoo settings. Safari Park roles often require knowledge of wildlife management and outdoor work, while Zookeeper roles emphasize animal husbandry and veterinary care.

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What cities are hiring for Safari Park jobs?

Cities with the most Safari Park job openings:

What states have the most Safari Park jobs?

States with the most job openings for Safari Park jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Safari Park jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Safari Park jobs are:

Safari Park jobs near you
Infographic showing various Safari Park job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,893 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Ungulates Wildlife Care Specialist - Full Time - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Escondido, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.
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. The Wildlife care specialist, under general supervision, feeds and provides for the general care and welfare of assigned wildlife (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates or birds). This position reports to a Lead or Supervisor.
This class is distinguished from the Senior Wildlife care specialist class in that the Wildlife care specialist 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. This class also consistently demonstrates the desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • 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.
  • Prepares food and water for animals, Loads and unloads food from trucks, Feeds animals
  • Observes assigned animals
  • 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.
  • Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals. Provides species-appropriate enrichment to assigned animals.
  • Participates in assisting medical staff in treating wildlife and moving animals
  • Performs minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures. Reports maintenance needs. Operates a variety of light and medium equipment.
  • 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.
  • Cleans habitat areas, pools, animal sleeping areas and service areas
  • Reports abnormal conditions
  • Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers
  • Participates in and supports animal training programs
  • Administers prescribed medication and keeps feeding records
  • 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 animals' dynamic social and physical states. Must be able to work at variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS).

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Preferred candidate with mixed species and large mammals experience
JOB EXPERIENCE
  • Education, training and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined. Examples would be 12 to 16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology or animal husbandry; or, work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where appropriate knowledge and skills in animal care could be acquired preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
  • High School Diploma Required
  • California Driver License within 30 Days required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of:
  • 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

Ability to:
  • 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 REWARDS 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
  • 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: $31.98

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.
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. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.

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