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.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Wildlife Care Associate will support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission of saving species worldwide by handling trained wildlife used in visitor presentations, public contact, and educational programs. This position reports to a Wildlife Care Supervisor/Manager. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Handles trained wildlife
• Reinforces trained behavior
• Transports wildlife from compound areas to show areas
• Provides public with information and answers questions regarding wildlife
• Feeds and cares for assigned wildlife
• Cleans and maintains animal compound areas
• Exercises wildlife
• Provides general grooming of wildlife
• Prepares and feeds wildlife
• Keeps feeding records
• Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
• Maintains logs and records concerning animal health and care
• Observes wildlife

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Avian Propagation Wildlife Care Associate will prepare diets for assigned wildlife (birds) including processing various fruits and vegetables, handling invertebrates, fish, meats, and other food items utilizing kitchen utensils and appliances such as knives, food processors, blenders, and grinders. They will perform routine maintenance and calibration of equipment and facilities, including washing and sanitizing containers, surfaces, and equipment, keep all food preparation areas, incubation, brooder room and surrounding areas clean and orderly condition, and perform minor, routine utility maintenance repairs. In addition to previous tasks, this position will also be responsible for keeping feeding records, supply procurement, administering nutritional supplements, maintain logs and records concerning animal health and care, which requires comfort with basic computer tasks such as word processing and using Microsoft Office programs.

• JOB EXPERIENCE
• One to two years of work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where appropriate knowledge and skills in wildlife care could be acquired.

• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
  • High School Diploma Required
  • Current valid California Driver’s License in good standing. 

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Wildlife behavior
• Care, feeding and handling of wildlife
• Safety practices around wildlife
• Animal biology; zoology
• Learn the handling and control of a variety of trained wildlife
• Discriminate differences in animal vocalizations
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public
• Keep simple records
• Effectively communicate (verbal and written)
• Operate motorized equipment and vehicles 

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• 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
  

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA 
• 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: $28.33 
  

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org.  If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately. 

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@sdzwa.org 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.