Ungulates Wildlife Care Specialist - Full Time Seasonal - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Job Description Posted Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Expires Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 9:59 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 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. The Wildlife care specialist, under general supervision, feeds and provides for the general care and welfare of assigned wildlife (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates or birds). This position reports to a Lead or Supervisor. This class is distinguished from the Senior Wildlife care specialist class in that the Wildlife care specialist works under supervision. The Wildlife care specialist performs a wide range of semi-routine functions at either the Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This class also consistently demonstrates the desire and ability to engage in positive relationships with internal and external customers.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Decision-making:

Must have independent and critical thinking ability to respond appropriately to expected and unexpected animal care situations. Must be able to problem solve based on experience and observation and must be able to follow proper procedures. Prepares food and water for animals, Loads and unloads food from trucks, Feeds animals Observes assigned animals

Safety:

Must be able to safely manage the daily care of non-domesticated wild animals representing multiple dangerous species. This requires the knowledge of and ability to follow SOPs in each animal area. Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals. Provides species-appropriate enrichment to assigned animals. Participates in assisting medical staff in treating wildlife and moving animals Performs minor or routine maintenance on habitat enclosures. Reports maintenance needs. Operates a variety of light and medium equipment.

Professionalism:

Employees are expected to abide by the SDZWA Rules of Engagement. Must foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity. Must be able to accept responsibility and be accountable. Must make decisions that support the goals of the organization. Cleans habitat areas, pools, animal sleeping areas and service areas Reports abnormal conditions Cleans and disinfects utensils, work tools and containers Participates in and supports animal training programs Administers prescribed medication and keeps feeding records

Flexibility/Adaptability:

Must be able to quickly process and respond to novel situations with professionalism and clear judgment. Must be able to accept irregular shift times, last minute schedule changes, variance in workload, and changing of daily tasks. Must be able to respond appropriately to the animals' dynamic social and physical states. Must be able to work at variable locations (Zoo, Safari Park, field, CS).

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR JOB EXPERIENCE

Education, training and/or experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined. Examples would be 12 to 16 college credit hours in zoology, animal biology or animal husbandry; or, work experience in a Zoo or similar environment where appropriate knowledge and skills in animal care could be acquired preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

High School Diploma Required California Driver License within 30 Days required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of:

Animal behavior Animal biology and zoology Care, feeding and handling of wild animals Safety practices around wild animals Techniques for restraining or capturing wild animals Public Speaking Ability to: Respond to cautions from co-workers Monitor animal behavior and appearance Operate motorized equipment and vehicles Use computer programs (Word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and Internet) Communicate and work effectively with others Work in a diverse team environment and motivate others Multi-task and prioritize Understand and follow directions effectively Deal tactfully and courteously with others Adhere to the organization's policies, procedures and regulations Competently perform the essential functions outlined above

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:

Escondido, CA Position Type:

Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Union Seasonal Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union

Hourly Rate:

$31.98 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. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, USA