San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Avian Recovery Specialist assists with the recovery of avian species by performing daily care and husbandry of endangered avian species. The position feeds and provides general care and welfare of the assigned avian species. Collects data on avian behavior and breeding; works to prepare birds for breeding and reproduction for eventual release into native habitat. This position reports to a Wildlife Care Supervisor or higher.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Prepares and provides proper husbandry including but not limited to food, water, housing, enrichment materials and structures to promote breeding activity and a thriving environment for assigned animals; evaluates needs of avian species under care and adjusts activities to fit the needs of the animals.
• Prepares and provides proper food and water for animals under care; unloads, and stores food for animals in proper environment.
• Cleans and maintains enclosures, and other areas as assigned according to center standards.
• Observes assigned animals.
• Maintains appropriate health and behavior records on assigned animals, record(s) data using spreadsheets and database systems.
• Performs minor or routine maintenance on enclosures.
• Assists medical staff in treating assigned animals as well as runs diagnostic testing, administers medications and treatments to assigned animals as directed by vet staff.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual with a strong commitment to conservation and a desire to make a lasting impact on endangered avian species. The ideal candidate is open to learning and developing skills in wildlife care and husbandry, even without prior experience with birds. Flexibility and reliability are essential, as the role may require working weekends and adapting to a dynamic schedule. This role involves hands-on animal care, facility maintenance, and supporting scientific research efforts. We are looking for someone ready to join our team and contribute meaningfully to advancing conservation efforts.

• JOB EXPERIENCE
  • Experience with environmental conservation or education is preferred. 
  • Prior animal care experience is a plus. 

• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
  • Some college preferred.
  • Education, training, and/or 1 year experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined required.

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
  • Basic understanding of animal husbandry, care, and welfare needs required.
  • Basic Understanding of Avian behavior; Avian biology and anatomy; zoology preferred. 
  • Basic Understanding of Care, feeding, and housing of exotic animal preferred.
  • Basic Understanding of Safety practices for working with wild avian species preferred.
  • Basic Understanding of Monitoring avian behavior and appearance. 
  • Ability to use common computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, or other email systems) and Internet required.
  • Ability to learn computer-based record-keeping systems (ZIMS, Survey 123, and others) preferred.
  • Ability to learn and perform data and sample gathering techniques required.
  • Ability to work in a diverse team environment and motivate others required.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and independently required.
  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize work needed during specific timeframes required.
  • Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with others required.
  • Ability to communicate and work effectively with others required.
  • Ability to understand and follow directions effectively required.
  • Must adhere to the organization's policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Ability to accept responsibility and be accountable required.
  • Ability to make decisions that support the goals of the organization required.
  • Ability to foster a positive work environment that promotes trust and integrity required.
  • Demonstrated ability to share key information with others involved in a project or effort, work in harmony to accomplish objectives, respond with enthusiasm to directives, and show support for departmental and organizational decisions required.

SOME OF THE PERKS 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
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Volcano, HI
• Position Type: Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt Union Position - If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $25.09 

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. 

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

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. 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.