Wildlife Care Associate - Seasonal - Safari Park

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

Posted Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM

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.

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/Manager.

• 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

• 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
• 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

• 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

• Position Type:
  Hourly Full‑Time Non‑Exempt Union Seasonal Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $28.33

Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an  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. 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 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.