Wildlife Grounds & Habitat Specialist

San Diego Humane Society; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Humane Society is hiring a Wildlife Grounds Specialist for our Project Wildlife team at the Ramona Campus. This full-time role supports the rehabilitation facility by maintaining native plant areas, irrigation, and habitat features across 13 acres.

The position requires a high school diploma and at least one year in horticulture or related fields. Starting pay ranges from $22.00 to $24.48 per hour, with 40 hours per week and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of experience in horticulture, landscaping, groundskeeping, irrigation, or related fields.
• Experience with power tools and saws; tractors or skid steers preferred.
• Knowledge of Southern California native plants and drought-tolerant landscaping is a plus.
• Ability to balance campus appearance with sustainability and animal welfare.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and project-based maintenance of plants, gardens, and grounds on the Ramona campus.
• Complete groundskeeping and maintain roads, paths, and service areas; support habitat features.
• Manage irrigation installation, maintenance, and repairs to ensure efficient watering.
• Operate landscaping tools and equipment; apply basic carpentry and repair skills.
• Use tractors or skid steers when trained and authorized.
• Collaborate with wildlife staff to select plants for enclosure needs and habitat complexity.
• Follow safety and biosecurity procedures around animals and high-stress species.

Skills

High school diploma

Horticulture experience

Groundskeeping

Power tools experience

Irrigation knowledge

Plant identification

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Power tools

Saws

Tractors/Skid Steers

Job description

San Diego Humane Society is hiring a Wildlife Grounds Specialist for our Project Wildlife team at the Ramona Campus. This full-time role supports the rehabilitation facility by maintaining native plant areas, irrigation, and habitat features across 13 acres.

The position requires a high school diploma and at least one year in horticulture or related fields. Starting pay ranges from $22.00 to $24.48 per hour, with 40 hours per week and a comprehensive benefits package.