Basecamp Wildlife Care Specialist - Part Time On Call - San Diego Zoo

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSIONThe 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 animalsObserves assigned animalsSafety: 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 animalsPerforms 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 areasReports abnormal conditionsCleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containersParticipates in and supports animal training programsAdministers prescribed medication and keeps feeding recordsFlexibility/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 FORApplicants must have at least one year of experience working in a zoological setting. Qualified applicants will be responsible for feeding and providing general care of assigned habitat and ambassador wildlife, cleaning habitat enclosures and contiguous areas, providing habitat security, assessing and optimizing wildlife welfare, and performing related work as required. Confidence in public speaking and interpretation is an essential component of this position. Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays is required. This position requires the successful completion of a Physical Ability Test. This position involves work with susceptible species; you will be required to show proof of TB and Measles vaccination as a condition of employment.JOB EXPERIENCE

Education, training and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined. Examples would be 12 to 16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology or animal husbandry; or, work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where appropriate knowledge and skills in animal care could be acquired preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

High School Diploma RequiredCalifornia Driver License within 30 Days required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGEKnowledge of:

Animal behaviorAnimal biology and zoologyCare, feeding and handling of wild animalsSafety practices around wild animalsTechniques for restraining or capturing wild animalsPublic Speaking

Ability to:

Respond to cautions from co-workersMonitor animal behavior and appearanceOperate motorized equipment and vehiclesUse computer programs (Word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and Internet)Communicate and work effectively with othersWork in a diverse team environment and motivate othersMulti-task and prioritizeUnderstand and follow directions effectivelyDeal tactfully and courteously with othersAdhere to the organization's policies, procedures and regulationsCompetently perform the essential functions outlined above