Primate Wildlife Care Supervisor - San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo - 4.0 San Diego, CA Job Details Full-time $77,225 - $96,782 a year 19 hours ago Benefits Free parking Wellness program Employee assistance program Qualifications Zoo experience Staff supervision Team supervision Full Job Description Job Description Posted Friday, August 28, 2026 at 5:00 AM | Expires Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 4:59 AM 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 Supervisor is responsible for and oversees all aspects of the welfare, safe care, and handling of an assigned wildlife collection and contributes to collection strategic planning. The Wildlife Care Supervisor is responsible for the daily supervision of the staff and the routines to ensure safe care and handling of an assigned wildlife collection. This position reports to the Wildlife Care Manager.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Lead, manage, evaluate, and develop the performance of animal care staff as assigned and resolve conflicts in a timely and appropriate manner. Frequently inspect and observe assigned collection for overall health and welfare. Evaluate, adjust, and coordinate husbandry standards and techniques applied to an assigned animal collection according to a zoological master plan. Ensure the wildlife welfare standards are upheld and improved upon where necessary according to the organizations Wildlife Welfare Policy. Ensure proper communication with the Veterinary Team on medical cases and health status of animals within assigned areas. Ensure use of appropriate wildlife handling, shipment, management and training methodologies for the collection. Represent the leadership and the animal care divisions in partnership with operations. Effectively lead their assigned team by providing the support and guidance that enables each team member to be empowered and successful.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a Primate Wildlife Care Supervisor with proven abilities to evaluate and manage teams and programs. Extensive experience with a wide variety of Primates including Great Apes experience is highly desired. This position involves work with susceptible species; you will be required to show proof of vaccination as a condition of employment.

JOB EXPERIENCE

One or more years' experience supervising/leading animal department and personnel in an AZA accredited zoo or equivalent facility required. Four to six years hands on wildlife care experience required.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's degree in zoology, animal science, or a related field preferred. Current valid California Driver's License in good standing

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Strong working knowledge of Wildlife Welfare. Basic taxonomic knowledge. Exotic wildlife management and husbandry skills. Effective organizational communication and team building skills. Effective leadership skills. Regulatory and membership agencies and regulations (USDA, USFWS, AZA, CITES etc.) knowledge. Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Able to operate computer software programs. Demonstrated ability to lead highly effective, diverse teams.

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:

Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position Salary Range:

$77,225 to $96,782 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 . 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 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. 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA