Animal Trainer

Animal Trainer - San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA Req #806

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Are you inspired to be a part of an organization committed to protecting wildlife around the globe? San Diego Zoo Global is a mission-based, non-profit wildlife conservation organization with two world famous front doors where we unite our passion for wildlife, expertise in wildlife care, and conservation science to save species from the brink of extinction. Our commitment is to provide visits to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park as opportunities to learn about and engage with best-in-class conservation work, and how that work is changing outcomes for wildlife everyday.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

The Animal Trainer will support San Diego Zoo Global’s mission of saving species worldwide by training, handling and caring for exhibit animals used for public appearances and contact, such as educational programs. This position reports to an Animal Care Supervisor/Manager.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

• Trains animals in new behaviors and reinforces trained behaviors

• Transports animals to exhibit or performances

• Assists handlers at performance

• Sets up props, stages or other performance areas

• Grooms animals for public appearance and health maintenance

• Controls animals to ensure public safety

• Prepares animal feed

• Feeds animals

• Administers prescribed medication and nutritional supplements

• Assists medical staff in treatment of assigned animals

• Keeps feeding, medication and other records regarding animal care

• Conducts special tours
• Gentles and trains a wide variety of exhibit animals so that they may be used in public appearances, animal walk-around programs, wildlife workshops, school assemblies, etc

• Observes assigned animals with regard to general appearance, health, feeding habits, etc

• Cleans and performs minor maintenance to animal compounds and exhibit areas

• May operate light and medium duty motorized equipment, such as trucks, skiploaders, water trucks and forklifts

• Makes informational presentations to the public

• Answers questions and provides information to the public regarding assigned animals

• Adheres to all SDZG and department policies and practices

• Practices the GRRREAT Customer Service Standards

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Education, training and experience, which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined; an example would be one or more years’ experience as an animal handler at San Diego Zoo Global or a comparable organization. This position requires the ability to lift moderate to heavy objects (up to 50 pounds). Applicant must be available any of the seven days of the week, including evenings and weekends and the schedule is On-Call. A good driving record and a valid CA driver license is also required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Animal behavior

• Animal behavior modification

• Care, feeding and handling of wild animals

• Safety practices around wild animals

• SDZG policies, procedures and regulations regarding the care, handling and training of exhibit animals

Abililty to:

• Train and control wild animals

• Discriminate differences in animal vocalizations

• Monitor animal behavior

• Keep simple records

• Communicate and work effectively with others (verbal and written)

• Deal tactfully and courteously with the others in a diverse environment

• Respond to cautions from co-workers

• Monitor animal behavior and appearance

• Operate motorized equipment and vehicles

• Competently perform the essential functions outlined above

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

IMPORTANT DETAILS

Location: San Diego Zoo – Animals In Action

Duration: Year round

Positions available: 3

Union Position: Starting hourly wage $23.22

*If selected, there are union fees and dues to be paid to the Union

Candidates must be available for an interview if contacted. Full job description may be requested at that time.

THIS EMPLOYER PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL IS AN EEO/AA/DISABILITY/PROTECTED VETERAN EMPLOYER - San Diego Zoo Global makes every effort to ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals and abides by EEO and nondiscrimination provisions of all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application please email your request to sdzgcareers@sandiegozoo.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

Join our team and build a career protecting wildlife around the globe with your passion for wildlife!

To Apply please click HERE