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Wildlife Health Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Denver Zoo

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver, CO

$82K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with the Senior Director of Wildlife Health & Conservation and Director of Veterinary Operations on the development and implementation of the Zoo's veterinary program and policies.

Stryker Corporation

Director of Clinical Medicine

Denver, CO · On-site

$125.55 - $144.15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with the Senior Director of Wildlife Health & Conservation and Director of Veterinary Operations on the development and implementation of the Zoo's veterinary program and policies.

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Wildlife Health information

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$25K

$64.9K

$127K

How much do wildlife health jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildlife health in the United States is $64,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is wildlife health?

Wildlife health refers to the study and management of the physical well-being and diseases of wild animals in their natural habitats. Professionals in this field monitor wildlife populations, investigate disease outbreaks, and work to prevent the spread of illnesses between wild animals, domestic animals, and humans. Wildlife health is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem balance, and preventing zoonotic diseases that can impact public health.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in wildlife health, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in wildlife health often encounter challenges such as working in remote or unpredictable environments, managing zoonotic disease risks, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders like conservationists, veterinarians, and government agencies. Adapting to fieldwork conditions, maintaining safety protocols, and staying updated with the latest research are essential. Building strong communication skills and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration can help overcome these obstacles and contribute to effective wildlife health management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in wildlife health, and why are they important?

To thrive in Wildlife Health, you need a background in veterinary medicine, ecology, or biology, often with advanced degrees and fieldwork experience. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, laboratory techniques, and data management systems is typically required, along with certifications in wildlife handling or disease surveillance. Strong problem-solving, observation skills, and the ability to communicate findings clearly make professionals stand out in this field. These skills are crucial for effectively monitoring animal populations, managing disease outbreaks, and supporting conservation efforts.

What is the difference between Wildlife Health vs Wildlife Veterinarian?

AspectWildlife HealthWildlife Veterinarian
Required CredentialsDegree in wildlife biology, ecology, or related fields; often requires additional certifications in wildlife managementDoctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent; veterinary licensing
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in natural habitats, research facilities, conservation projectsWildlife clinics, zoos, research labs, field rescues
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizations, research institutionsVeterinary clinics, wildlife rehabilitation centers, zoos

Wildlife Health professionals focus on the overall health and disease management of wild animal populations, often through research and conservation efforts. Wildlife Veterinarians are licensed vets who diagnose and treat individual wild animals, working directly in clinical settings or field rescues. While both roles aim to protect wildlife, Wildlife Health emphasizes population health and disease prevention, whereas Wildlife Veterinarians focus on individual animal care.

More about Wildlife Health jobs

What cities are hiring for Wildlife Health jobs?

Cities with the most Wildlife Health job openings:

What states have the most Wildlife Health jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wildlife Health jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Wildlife Health jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Wildlife Health jobs are:

Wildlife Health jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildlife Health job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,945 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

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

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Escondido, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

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
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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