Carnivore Conservation Center Wildlife Care Specialist, Behavior Sa

Carnivore Conservation Center Wildlife Care Specialist, Behavior
- Full Time
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park Job Description

Posted Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM

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.

The Wildlife Care Specialist Behavior 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 Behavior, under general supervision, performs a wide variety of functions in the training, handling and care of wildlife used for public appearances and contact, such as educational programs.

This position reports to the Wildlife Training Supervisor or Manager.

The Wildlife Care Specialist Behavior performs a wide variety of moderately difficult tasks involved in preparing wildlife for public contact and presentations.

• Trains wildlife in new behaviors and reinforces trained behaviors
• Prepares wildlife for a variety of stimuli, location and health maintenance using positive methods and participation from the animal
• Prepares and feed wildlife
• Manages wildlife to ensure public safety
• Transports wildlife to habitat or location for sharing conservation/sustainability messaging. Assists handlers, set up props, stages or other areas
• Assists medical staff in treatment of assigned wildlife
• Makes informational presentations to the public
• Cleans and maintains habitats and work areas
• Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
• Keeps feeding, medication and other records regarding wildlife care
• Answers questions and provides information to the public regarding assigned wildlife

Preferred candidate with 1-2 years' experience working with carnivores

• Education, training and experience, which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined; an example would be two or more years experience as a wildlife handler at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance or a comparable organization, preferred.

• High School Diploma Required
• California Driver License within 30 days required

Knowledge of:

• Animal behavior
• Animal behavior modification
• Care, feeding and handling of wild animals
• Safety practices around wild animals
• SDZWA policies, procedures and regulations regarding the care, handling and training of exhibit animals

Ability to:

• Train and modify behavior in a variety of environments
• Discriminate differences in animal vocalizations
• Monitor animal behavior
• Keep simple records
• Communicate and work effectively with others (verbal and written)
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the others in a diverse environment
• Respond to cautions from co-workers
• Monitor animal behavior and appearance
• Operate motorized equipment and vehicles
• Competently perform the essential functions outlined above
• 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 Position
  - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $31.98

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 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.