Wildlife Registrar - Safari Park

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM | Expires Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10:59 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 Registrar is responsible for SDZWA's wildlife collection record‑keeping systems. This position reports to the Director of Wildlife Care.

• Monitors wildlife activities and provides guidance to staff for compliance related concerns related to government regulations, SDZWA internal policies and industry-specific standards.
• Database administrator for animal records software. Establishes policy and trains staff in wildlife record keeping, records management and data entry standards. Liaison for software vendors. Quality control oversight for wildlife transaction files and wildlife records databases.
• Supervises Curatorial/Assistant Registrars and manages aspects of departmental work including the monitoring of assigned budgets.
• Oversees tracking of SDZWA animals sold, donated, or traded to other institutions in accordance with Wildlife Transportation and Transaction Policies.
• Organizational point person for institutional collection information requests from wildlife organizations and authorities. Represents SDZWA as a member and/or participant at national and international meetings, workshops and conferences.
• Coordinates SDZWA wildlife loans.

Preferred candidate with Zookeeper Registrar Association (ZRA) certification. The Wildlife Registrar is a member of the Animal Management Team and supports the development and implementation of the institution’s population management policies and corresponding population plans. The preferred candidate will have experience with regulatory compliance, including operational permit renewal and reporting for agencies such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Captive‑Bred Wildlife Permit), USDA (Exhibitor License and Contingency Plan), and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (Detrimental and Native Species Exhibiting Permits).

Proficiency with the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) is ideal.

• Considerable experience working with automated animal registration record systems

• Bachelor's Degree In biology, zoology, or a related field or equivalent specialized training

• Knowledge of animal taxonomy
• Knowledge of animal husbandry
• Knowledge of scientific nomenclature
• Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs
• Work well with others in a diverse environment

• 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 Salaried Non-Exempt Position
• Salary Rage: $70,304 - $76,884.30

Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job posting should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including bonuses and/or incentives, or a candidate’s experience and skills. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to providing…