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San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Is Hiring a Mesa Wildlife Care Specialist | San Diego (CA), USA @sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org

Role: Mesa Wildlife Care Specialist
Job Functions: Mesa Wildlife Care Specialist
Industry: Service
Company: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Salary: $31.98/hr
Experience: 1+ years of experience needed
Location: On-Site
Employee Type: Full-time

Job Description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Is Hiring a Mesa Wildlife Care Specialist | San Diego (CA), USA @sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org

With two main locations—the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a global nonprofit conservation organization. To create long-term conservation solutions, we combine science, education, and wildlife health and care.

By combining our knowledge of wildlife care and conservation science with our commitment to igniting a passion for nature and spearheading the fight against extinction, the Wildlife Care Specialist completes all job assignments with a positive attitude that supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission and vision of saving species worldwide. The assigned species (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, or birds) is fed and given general care and welfare by the wildlife care specialist under general supervision. This role answers to a supervisor or lead.

Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria

We are looking for applicants who have worked at an AZA-accredited facility for at least a year. It is ideal to have at least a year of expertise with both hoof stock and large carnivores.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Education, training, and/or experience that would amply illustrate the key roles, abilities, and expertise listed.
Examples include 12 to 16 hours of college credit in zoology, animal biology, or animal husbandry, as well as work
Experience in a zoo or other setting where it is desirable to gain the necessary knowledge and abilities in animal care.

CERTIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

A high school diploma is necessary.
A California driver’s license must be obtained within 30 days.

Understanding of:

Behavior of animals
Zoology and animal biology
Handling, feeding, and caring for wild animals
Safety procedures when dealing with wild animals
Methods for capturing or restricting wild animals
Speaking in Public

Capacity to:

React to coworkers’ warnings
Keep an eye on the appearance and behavior of animals
Manage cars and motorized equipment
Utilize computer programs (Internet, PowerPoint, spreadsheets, and word processing).
Effectively communicate and collaborate with others
Motivate others while working in a varied team setting.
Prioritize and multitask
Recognize and successfully follow instructions
Be considerate and polite to other people.
Respect the organization’s rules, guidelines, and policies
Perform the crucial tasks mentioned above with competence.

Role and Responsibilities:

Making decisions requires the ability to think critically and independently in order to react correctly to both anticipated and unforeseen animal care events. must be able to follow the right processes and solve problems using experience and observation.
Loads and unloads food from trucks, prepares food and water for animals, and feeds them
observes the designated animals
Safety: The everyday care of non-domesticated wild animals representing several dangerous species must be managed carefully. This calls for familiarity with and proficiency with SOPs for each animal area.
Keeps up-to-date records of the allocated animals’ behavior and health. gives allocated animals enrichment suited to their kind.
Helps medical personnel cure wildlife and transport animals.

Professionalism:

The SDZWA Rules of Engagement must be followed by staff members.
One must cultivate a productive workplace that values honesty and trust. must be able to take accountability and accept blame.
Must make choices that advance the organization’s objectives.
Cleans pools, animal sleeping spaces, habitat areas, and service areas.
Reports unusual circumstances
Cleans and sanitizes work items, containers, and utensils.
Sponsors and takes part in animal training initiatives

Adaptability/Flexibility: must be able to react to new circumstances with professionalism and sound judgment in a timely manner.

Advantages and Benefits:

The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are free to enter.
Family Deaths
Free Tickets
San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park Free Parking Local and In-House Discounts
Program for Employee Assistance and Wellness

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Is Hiring a Mesa Wildlife Care Specialist | San Diego (CA), USA @sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org

Watch out for dishonest hiring practices. The @sdzwa.org email address is used by legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts. During the hiring process, we don’t ask for cash, cheques, equipment orders, or private information. Only phone, Zoom, Teams, or in-person interviews are conducted by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Please send an email to [email protected] if you have been requested for any of the aforementioned information or think you have been contacted by someone claiming to be an employee of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Please get in touch with your financial institution or institutions right away if you believe you have been the victim of fraud.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we value diversity and promote a sense of community. Diversity benefits the wildlife we serve, our workers, and their experiences.

For a full listing of our jobs, visit at https://www.sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/careers/

Company Address:

2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, California, 92101, USA.

Apply Online Here

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Date Posted: 2026-03-11

Expiry Posted: 2030-03-11