San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Primate Wildlife Care Supervisor - San Diego Zoo

Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of hands-on wildlife care experience required, including primate care.
  • 1+ years of supervisory experience in an AZA accredited institution.
  • Bachelor's degree in zoology, animal science, or related field preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of Wildlife Welfare standards and practices.
  • Effective leadership and team management skills.
  • Knowledge of wildlife management regulations (USDA, USFWS, AZA, CITES, etc.).
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the animal care staff and evaluate performance.
  • Inspect and observe assigned wildlife for health and welfare.
  • Adjust and coordinate care standards according to zoological plans.
  • Ensure adherence to wildlife welfare policies and improvements as needed.
  • Communicate with the Veterinary Team regarding animals' health.
  • Implement appropriate wildlife handling and training methodologies.
  • Represent leadership in collaboration with operations.

Benefits

  • Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
  • Family Passes and Complimentary Tickets.
  • Free Parking at both the Zoo and Safari Park.
  • Local and in-house discounts.
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program.
  • Participation in Wellness Program.
Full Job Description
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 [email protected]. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit organization that operates the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The organization was founded in 1916 and is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and most famous zoos in the world, with over 3,500 animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. The organization also conducts research and provides education programs to promote conservation and sustainability.
Learn more about San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Size
3,000 employees
Industry

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