Africa Rocks Encounters Wildlife Care Specialist, Behavior - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSIONThe Wildlife Care Specialist Behavior 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 Behavior, under general supervision, performs a wide variety of functions in the training, handling and care of wildlife used for public appearances and contact, such as educational programs. This position reports to the Wildlife Training Supervisor or Manager.The Wildlife Care Specialist Behavior performs a wide variety of moderately difficult tasks involved in preparing wildlife for public contact and presentations.WHAT YOU WILL DO

Trains wildlife in new behaviors and reinforces trained behaviorsPrepares wildlife for a variety of stimuli, location and health maintenance using positive methods and participation from the animalPrepares and feed wildlifeConducts special toursManages wildlife to ensure public safetyTransports wildlife to habitat or location for sharing conservation/sustainability messaging. Assists handlers, set up props, stages or other areasAssists medical staff in treatment of assigned wildlifeMakes informational presentations to the publicCleans and maintains habitats and work areasAdministers prescribed medication and nutritional supplementsKeeps feeding, medication and other records regarding wildlife careAnswers questions and provides information to the public regarding assigned wildlife

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORA wildlife professional with at least two years of experience working with free contact ambassador wildlife. Experience presenting wildlife in a public setting and public speaking experience are preferred. A degree in biology, zoology, life sciences, or a related field is also preferred.

JOB EXPERIENCE

Education, training and experience, which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined; an example would be two or more years experience as a wildlife handler at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance or a comparable organization, preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

High School Diploma RequiredCalifornia Driver License within 30 days required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGEKnowledge of:

Animal behaviorAnimal behavior modificationCare, feeding and handling of wild animalsSafety practices around wild animalsSDZWA policies, procedures and regulations regarding the care, handling and training of exhibit animals

Ability to:

Train and modify behavior in a variety of environmentsDiscriminate differences in animal vocalizationsMonitor animal behaviorKeep simple recordsCommunicate and work effectively with others (verbal and written)Deal tactfully and courteously with the others in a diverse environmentRespond to cautions from co-workersMonitor animal behavior and appearanceOperate motorized equipment and vehiclesCompetently perform the essential functions outlined above