Jobs and Careers
SA

Wildlife Registrar - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 14 Jan 2026
💰 $76,884/yr($70,304/yr$76,884/yr)

About the role

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 Wildlife Registrar is responsible for SDZWA's wildlife collection record-keeping systems. This position reports to the Director of Wildlife Care.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Monitors wildlife activities and provides guidance to staff for compliance related concerns related to government regulations, SDZWA internal policies and industry-specific standards.
• Database manger and administrator for animal records software. Establishes policy and trains staff in wildlife record keeping, records management and data entry standards. Liaison for software vendors. Quality control oversight for wildlife transaction files and wildlife records databases.
• Supervises Curatorial/Assistant Registrars and manages aspects of departmental work including the monitoring of assigned budgets.
• Oversees tracking of SDZWA animals sold, donated, or traded to other institutions in accordance with Wildlife Transportation and Transaction Policies.
• Organizational point person for institutional collection information requests from wildlife organizations and authorities. Represents SDZWA as a member and/or participant at national and international meetings, workshops and conferences.
• Coordinates SDZWA wildlife loans.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Preferred candidate with Zookeeper Registrar Association (ZRA) certification. The Wildlife Registrar is a member of the Animal Management Team and supports the development and implementation of the institution’s population management policies and corresponding population plans. The preferred candidate will have experience with regulatory compliance, including operational permit renewal and reporting for agencies such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Captive-Bred Wildlife Permit), USDA (Exhibitor License and Contingency Plan), and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (Detrimental and Native Species Exhibiting Permits). Proficiency with the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) is ideal.

JOB EXPERIENCE
• Considerable experience working with automated animal registration record systems

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's Degree In biology, zoology, or a related field or equivalent specialized training

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of animal taxonomy
• Knowledge of animal husbandry
• Knowledge of scientific nomenclature
• Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs
• Work well with others in a diverse environment


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
• 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: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Salaried Non-Exempt Position
• Salary Rage: $70,304 - $76,884.30
About The Salary Ranges
Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job posting should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including bonuses and/or incentives, or a candidate’s experience and skills. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.

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

Apply for this role

Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.

Apply Now →Generate Application Kit

Free account required — sign up in 30s

Company

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

View company profile →