Mesa Wildlife Care Specialist - Full Time - San Diego ZooJob DescriptionPosted Monday, June 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Expires Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 9:59 AMSan 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 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. Under general supervision, the specialist feeds and provides care for assigned wildlife—including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and birds—and reports to a Lead or Supervisor. This class is distinguished from the Senior Wildlife Care Specialist by working under supervision, performing a wide range of semi‑routine functions at either the Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and consistently demonstrating the desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers.What You Will DoDecision‑making: Use independent and critical thinking to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal care situations, problem‑solving based on experience and observation, and following proper procedures.Prepare food and water for animals; load and unload food from trucks; feed animals.Observe assigned animals.Safety: Safely manage the daily care of non‑domesticated wild animals representing multiple dangerous species, following SOPs in each animal area.Maintain appropriate health and behavior records; provide species‑appropriate enrichment.Assist medical staff in treating wildlife and moving animals.Perform minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures, report maintenance needs, and operate light and medium equipment.Act with professionalism: abide by SDZWA Rules of Engagement, foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity, accept responsibility and accountability, and make decisions supporting organizational goals.Clean habitat areas, pools, animal sleeping areas, and service areas.Report abnormal conditions.Clean and disinfect utensils, work tools, and containers.Participate in and support animal training programs.Administer prescribed medication and keep feeding records.Flexibility/Adaptability: Quickly process and respond to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment, accept irregular shift times, last‑minute schedule changes, varying workloads, and changing daily tasks, and work at variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS).What We Are Looking ForSeeking candidates with a minimum of 1 year experience working at an AZA accredited facility. At least 1 year of experience with both large carnivore and hoof stock is preferred.Job ExperienceEducation, training, or experience that clearly demonstrates the essential functions, knowledge, and skills outlined—such as 12 to 16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology, or animal husbandry; or work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where animal care knowledge and skills are acquired.Education and CertificationsHigh School Diploma (Required)California 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 speakingAbility toRespond 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 aboveBenefitsFree admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari ParkFamily passesComplimentary ticketsFree parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari ParkLocal and in‑house discountsEmployee Assistance ProgramWellness programImportant DetailsPosition Type: Hourly Full‑Time Non‑Exempt Union Position – if selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the unionHourly Rate: $31.98Salary RangesThe 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 RecruitingBeware 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 e‑mail 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr