Elephants Wildlife Care Supervisor - San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.


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
Prefer candidate with at least five years of experience with elephant care in a lead or supervisory role

• 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: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
• Salary Range: $77,225 - $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 sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community