Wildlife Health Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Hospital under general supervision, feeds, maintains surveillance over all wildlife and provides routine care for all wildlife (mammals, reptiles and birds) quartered in the hospital area. This position reports to the Veterinary Services Wildlife Care Supervisor, Veterinary Services Manager, or designated staff.
This class performs a wide range of standard duties and is distinguished from the Wildlife Care Specialist classification in that this position works exclusively in the Hospital and must handle, care for, and observe all types of wildlife (bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian).
WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Ensure overall care and well-being of patient, housed, and quarantine wildlife while at hospital, including appropriate habitat setup, diet preparation, feeding, habitat cleaning and disinfection
• Under general supervision, assists Wildlife Health staff with immobilization, medical procedures, and relocation of wildlife between hospital and grounds
• Perform accurate and complete record keeping, including ICU logs, treatment sheets, ZIMS, welfare assessments, and other required reportson general health, habits, behavior, fecal output, and appetite of wildlife under care
• Medicate and provide treatment to patient wildlife, including those with compromised health. Communicated clearly with wildlife health staff regarding wildlife health needs
• Dedicated to providing and promoting the relationship our wildlife have with their environment at every opportunity and in every aspect of our wildlife care programs

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Our ideal candidate has a broad background in animal care, handling, and restraint and has experience working in a veterinary medical facility.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Education, training, and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined, and example would be 12-16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology, or animal husbandry required
• Prior animal care in a zoological or hospital setting preferred

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma Required
• Valid California Driver License Upon Hire required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of:

• Animal behavior; animal biology and anatomy; zoology
• Techniques for immobilizing, handling and moving wild animals
• Safety practices for working with wild animals
• Care, feeding, and set-up of animals
• Requirements for quarantine guidelines
• Public speaking
• SDZ Wildlife Alliance hospital policies, rules and practices

Ability to:

• Respond to cautions from co-workers
• Monitor wildlife behavior and appearance
• Operate motorized equipment and vehicles
• Use computer programs and electronic medical record keeping systems (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, ZIMS, and Internet
• Work in a diverse team environment and motivate others
• Multi-task and prioritize
• Deal tactfully and courteously with others
• Communicate and work effectively with others
• Work in a team environment and independently
• Understand and follow directions effectively
• Adhere to the organizations' policies, procedures, and regulations
• Knowledge of governmental and accreditation rules and regulations

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: San Diego, 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: $33.01

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

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.