Wildlife Care Specialist Hospital - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors - the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park - giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

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 reports on 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 will have previous experience working with a variety of species in a hospital setting. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for this position.

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

• HS Diploma or equivalent required
• Associates or Bachelors degree in related field, such as biology, zoology, animal science, etc. preferred
• 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 PERKS 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
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
  
  

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly, Full-Time 4/10 Schedule, Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $25.84

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.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

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.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.

• 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA