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Wildlife Safari Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wildlife Support

Loxahatchee Groves, FL · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Lion Country Safari is looking for a Full Time Wildlife Support member who has a positive attitude, excellent guest service, works well on a team, and takes pride in their work. We are committed to ...

Wildlife Support

Loxahatchee, FL · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Lion Country Safari is looking for a Full Time Wildlife Support member who has a positive attitude, excellent guest service, works well on a team, and takes pride in their work. We are committed to ...

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Wildlife Safari information

See salary details

$25K

$64.9K

$127K

How much do wildlife safari jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildlife safari 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 a wildlife safari?

A Wildlife Safari job typically involves guiding, educating, and ensuring the safety of guests while exploring natural habitats. Employees may work as safari guides, park rangers, or wildlife conservationists, helping to protect animals and ecosystems. Duties often include leading tours, tracking wildlife, and sharing knowledge about local flora and fauna. Some roles may also involve vehicle maintenance, guest services, or assisting with research and conservation efforts. This job requires a passion for wildlife, strong communication skills, and sometimes certifications in areas like first aid or ecology.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a wildlife safari?

A typical day as a Wildlife Safari guide involves leading guest groups on guided tours, tracking and identifying animals, sharing insights about wildlife behavior and conservation, and ensuring everyone's safety throughout the journey. You’ll also conduct routine vehicle checks, coordinate with rangers and other guides, and may assist with camp or lodge logistics. Collaboration with fellow guides and wildlife experts is common, as is adapting tours to guest interests and changing environmental conditions. These responsibilities make the role dynamic and engaging, with opportunities to continually learn and share knowledge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a wildlife safari?

To excel in a Wildlife Safari role, you should have a background in wildlife biology, ecology, or tourism, combined with broad knowledge of local flora and fauna. Familiarity with GPS navigation, off-road vehicles, and relevant certifications such as a professional safari guide license or first aid training are typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and interpretive skills help you engage and educate guests while ensuring safety. These abilities are crucial for delivering memorable, informative, and safe wildlife experiences to visitors.

More about Wildlife Safari jobs

What cities are hiring for Wildlife Safari jobs?

Cities with the most Wildlife Safari job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Wildlife Safari jobs?

The most popular types of Wildlife Safari jobs are:

What states have the most Wildlife Safari jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Wildlife Safari job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 7% Internship, 75% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,945 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Elephants Wildlife Care Associate - Full Time Seasonal - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Escondido, CA • On-site

$28.33/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 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 Associate will support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission of saving species worldwide by handling trained wildlife used in visitor presentations, public contact, and educational programs. This position reports to a Wildlife Care Supervisor.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Handles trained wildlife
  • Reinforces trained behavior
  • Transports wildlife from compound areas to show areas
  • Provides public with information and answers questions regarding wildlife
  • Feeds and cares for assigned wildlife
  • Cleans and maintains animal compound areas
  • Exercises wildlife
  • Provides general grooming of wildlife
  • Prepares and feeds wildlife
  • Keeps feeding records
  • Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
  • Maintains logs and records concerning animal health and care
  • Observes wildlife

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
  • JOB EXPERIENCE
    • One to two years of work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where appropriate knowledge and skills in wildlife care could be acquired.

  • EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
    • High School Diploma Required
    • Current valid California Driver's License in good standing.

  • SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
    • Wildlife behavior
    • Care, feeding and handling of wildlife
    • Safety practices around wildlife
    • Animal biology; zoology
    • Learn the handling and control of a variety of trained wildlife
    • Discriminate differences in animal vocalizations
    • Deal tactfully and courteously with the public
    • Keep simple records
    • Effectively communicate (verbal and written)
    • Operate motorized equipment and vehicles

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 Three-Month Seasonal Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
  • Hourly Rate: $28.33

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.