Wildlife Care Specialist

Job Overview

Benefits:

• Conservation Day
• 403(B) Voluntary Retirement Plan
• SEP Retirement Plan
• Company events
• Dental coverage
• Employee discounts
• Complimentary meals & snacks
• Provided uniforms
• Health coverage
• Career advancement opportunities
• Paid leave
• Training & development programs
• Vision coverage
• Wellness resources

Immediate opening available

The Santa Barbara Zoo is in search of a dedicated full-time Wildlife Care Specialist for our Animal Care and Health team, specifically with experience in handling dangerous species, including large carnivores.

In this position, you will engage with a variety of animal taxa, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Your responsibilities will encompass husbandry, maintaining naturalistic habitats, and upholding the highest standards of animal welfare. The ideal candidate will also embrace the opportunity to participate in local conservation efforts, including initiatives for California condors, island foxes, and various local bird and reptile species.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver exceptional husbandry and care for a diverse range of animals, including Potentially Dangerous Animals (PDAs).
• Enhance and maintain naturalistic habitats, ensuring a safe and stimulating environment that encourages natural behaviors.
• Actively engage in on-site or local conservation initiatives, contributing to projects involving California condors, island foxes, and local reptile species.
• Work collaboratively with the Animal Care & Health team, reporting to a Zoological Manager and the Director of Animal Care.
• Interact with the public through educational programs and presentations.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and team members in a physically demanding environment, which may involve lifting up to 50 lbs, navigating uneven terrain, and climbing.

Qualifications:

• Preferred minimum of 1-2 years of experience in an AZA accredited facility with various taxa, including dangerous species.
• Proficiency in animal husbandry, habitat maintenance, and behavioral enrichment.
• A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and enthusiasm for participating in local conservation efforts.
• Strong teamwork skills and personal accountability.
• Excellent public speaking and communication abilities.
• Physical fitness to meet the demands of the role.

Position Status: Full Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Schedule: 5 days a week based on operational needs, typically with Tuesdays and Wednesdays off - 40 hours/week

Compensation: Keeper level, $20.40 to $24.33/hour, depending on experience

Job Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Zoological Manager, Director of Animal Care, and V.P. of Animal Care & Health, the Wildlife Care Specialist is responsible for daily animal care, habitat maintenance, guest engagement, and relevant research.

Essential Duties:Animal Care:

• Perform all fundamental animal husbandry and health duties safely, adhering to established Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGS) and protocols.
• Document signs of normal health and any changes in the animals under your care using the daily reporting system.
• Record outcomes of training sessions and enrichment activities to evaluate progress toward team objectives.
• Develop and document training and enrichment programs.
• Facilitate established animal presentations.
• Regular attendance is essential.

Emergency Situations:

• Respond promptly to animal emergencies, assessing risks for animals, guests, and staff.
• Maintain composure and foster a calm atmosphere during emergencies.
• Utilize physical capture and restraint equipment as necessary.
• Evaluate the impact of emergency situations on all areas of the Zoo and recommend improvements to emergency response protocols.

Guest Relations:

• Engage with guests to provide assistance and share information.
• Address all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures.
• Meet exhibit presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance to enhance guest experiences.
• Develop and facilitate both formal and informal educational programs.

Staff Development:

• Supervise volunteers and interns.
• Share critical information, best practices, and procedures consistently with staff.
• Coach coworkers, volunteers, and interns, providing informal feedback.
• Train new keepers on husbandry standard operating guidelines.

Operations and Business:

• Exemplify the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well-being of the animal collection.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards, including the USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, federal, and AZA standards.
• Report animal maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff.
• Identify areas for potential revenue generation, cost reduction, and more efficient procedures.
• Hold peers accountable for their performance.
• Adhere to Zoo policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual.
• Attend bi-monthly all-employee meetings.
• Participate in departmental meetings.

Secondary Duties:

• Greet every guest with a smile.
• Thank guests for their support and visit.
• Respond to phone calls, voicemails, and emails promptly and professionally.
• Maintain Zoo presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance by keeping work areas tidy and reporting unsafe conditions.
• Maintain a clean and neat appearance, adhering to the Zoo's uniform dress code.
• Stay informed about Zoo happenings by reading employee communications and attending meetings.
• Reflect the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.

Position Criteria:

To successfully perform this job, an individual must be able to fulfill each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below represent the knowledge, skills, abilities, and physical demands required for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or completion of a two-year college program focused on captive animal husbandry.
• Experience in routine animal husbandry in a zoo, aquarium, or closely related field.

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Life Science such as Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline is preferred.
• Previous experience in an AZA accredited facility is preferred.
• A valid driver's license with a good driving record is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Available to work weekends and holidays, and during scheduled events.
• Knowledge of animal behavior and natural history.
• Understanding of procedures for observation, handling/restraint, training, enrichment, reproduction, facility needs, and animal health.
• Familiarity with emergency situation procedures, particularly those related to guest and staff safety.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to build warm and friendly relationships at work.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, colleagues, volunteers, and guests.
• Ability to practice safe work habits in proximity to potentially dangerous animals.
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy for animals.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Ability to access all areas of the facility.
• Capability to navigate the zoo environment, including behind-the-scenes areas, lawns, gravel, and hills.
• Must be able to participate in operational practices, including climbing stairs, using tools, and standing/walking for extended periods.
• Ability to operate various machines and equipment, including electric carts, two-way radios, and capture equipment.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and 10 or fewer pounds frequently.
• Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without fatigue.
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
• Involves working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Supportive and open employment culture.

Tools Used:

• Standard cleaning equipment such as hoses, rakes, shovels, and brooms.
• Two-way radio.
• Personal computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Capture equipment.
• Electric cart.
• Hand tools.

Please ensure to check your spam folder if you do not see a response from the Zoo.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment and does not guarantee employment for any specified period. The job description does not alter the at-will employment relationship.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas.

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