Wildlife Care & Behavior Specialist - Public Programs

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; Northern, San Diego (KY, CA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking a Wildlife Care Specialist to support its mission of saving species while training and caring for wildlife used in public programs. You will help prepare animals for outreach and educational presentations and ensure safety during interactions with guests.

Responsibilities include feeding, training, behavior modification, and assisting medical staff. A background with ambassador wildlife and public-speaking experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience with free-contact ambassador wildlife.
• Experience presenting wildlife in public settings.
• Degree in biology, zoology, life sciences or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Trains wildlife in new behaviors and reinforces trained behaviors.
• Prepares wildlife for stimuli, location and health maintenance using positive methods.
• Prepares and feeds wildlife.
• Conducts special tours.
• Manages wildlife to ensure public safety.
• Transports wildlife to habitat for sharing conservation 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.
• Adminsisters 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.

Skills

Animal behavior

Animal handling

Public speaking

Record keeping

Safety practices around wildlife

Education

High School Diploma

California Driver License

Job description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking a Wildlife Care Specialist to support its mission of saving species while training and caring for wildlife used in public programs. You will help prepare animals for outreach and educational presentations and ensure safety during interactions with guests.

Responsibilities include feeding, training, behavior modification, and assisting medical staff. A background with ambassador wildlife and public-speaking experience is preferred.