HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Wildlife Care Specialist Hospital under general supervision, feeds, maintains surveillance over all wildlife and provides routine care for all wildlife (mammals, reptiles and birds) quartered in the hospital area. This position reports to the Veterinary Services Wildlife Care Supervisor, Veterinary Services Manager, or designated staff.

This class performs a wide range of standard duties and is distinguished from the Wildlife Care Specialist classification in that this position works exclusively in the Hospital and must handle, care for, and observe all types of wildlife (bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian).

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Ensure overall care and well-being of patient, housed, and quarantine wildlife while at hospital, including appropriate habitat setup, diet preparation, feeding, habitat cleaning and disinfection
• Under general supervision, assists Wildlife Health staff with immobilization, medical procedures, and relocation of wildlife between hospital and grounds
• Perform accurate and complete record keeping, including ICU logs, treatment sheets, ZIMS, welfare assessments, and other required reports on general health, habits, behavior, fecal output, and appetite of wildlife under care
• Medicate and provide treatment to patient wildlife, including those with compromised health. Communicated clearly with wildlife health staff regarding wildlife health needs
• Dedicated to providing and promoting the relationship our wildlife have with their environment at every opportunity and in every aspect of our wildlife care programs

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Our ideal candidate has a broad background in animal care, handling, and restraint and has experience working in a veterinary medical facility.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Education, training, and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined, and example would be 12-16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology, or animal husbandry required
• Prior animal care in a zoological or hospital setting preferred

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma Required
• Valid California Driver License Upon Hire required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of:

• Animal behavior; animal biology and anatomy; zoology 
• Techniques for immobilizing, handling and moving wild animals 
• Safety practices for working with wild animals 
• Care, feeding, and set-up of animals 
• Requirements for quarantine guidelines 
• Public speaking 
• SDZ Wildlife Alliance hospital policies, rules and practices 

Ability to:

• Respond to cautions from co-workers 
• Monitor wildlife behavior and appearance 
• Operate motorized equipment and vehicles 
• Use computer programs and electronic medical record keeping systems (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, ZIMS, and Internet 
• Work in a diverse team environment and motivate others 
• Multi-task and prioritize 
• Deal tactfully and courteously with others 
• Communicate and work effectively with others 
• Work in a team environment and independently 
• Understand and follow directions effectively 
• Adhere to the organizations’ policies, procedures, and regulations 
• Knowledge of governmental and accreditation rules and regulations 

SOME OF THE PERKS 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
• 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: $33.01