Primate Wildlife Care Specialist San Diego Zoo

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HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION The Wildlife Care Specialist 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, under general supervision, feeds and provides for the general care and welfare of assigned wildlife (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates or birds).

This position reports to a Lead or Supervisor.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Wildlife care specialist class in that the Wildlife care specialist works under supervision. The Wildlife care specialist performs a wide range of semi-routine functions at either the Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This class also consistently demonstrates the desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Decision‑making:
Must have independent and critical thinking ability to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal care situations. Must be able to problem solve based on experience and observation and must be able to follow proper procedures.

Prepares food and water for animals, Loads and unloads food from trucks, Feeds animals

Observes assigned animals

Safety:
Must be able to safely manage the daily care of non‑domesticated wild animals representing multiple dangerous species. This requires the knowledge of and ability to follow SOPs in each animal area.

Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals. Provides species‑appropriate enrichment to assigned animals.

Participates in assisting medical staff in treating wildlife and moving animals

Performs minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures. Reports maintenance needs. Operates a variety of light and medium equipment.

Professionalism:
Employees are expected to abide by the SDZWA Rules of Engagement. Must foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity. Must be able to accept responsibility and be accountable. Must make decisions that support the goals of the organization.

Cleans habitat areas, pools, animal sleeping areas and service areas

Reports abnormal conditions

Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers

Participates in and supports animal training programs

Administers prescribed medication and keeps feeding records

Flexibility/Adaptability:
Must be able to quickly process and respond to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment. Must be able to accept irregular shift times, last minute schedule changes, variance in workload, and changing of daily tasks. Must be able to respond appropriately to the animals’ dynamic social and physical states. Must be able to work at variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS).

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

A minimum of one to two years working with primates in a Zoological setting. Qualifications include primate husbandry and behavioral knowledge, a basic understanding of operant conditioning, and the care and feeding of wildlife. Safety practices around wildlife are required. Guest interactions/public presentations are required. The qualified candidate is expected to be a team player and have good communication skills. This position involves work with susceptible species;

you will be required to show proof of TB and Measles vaccine as a condition of employment. Position also requires successful completion of a physical ability test.

JOB EXPERIENCE

Education, training and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills…