Lead Avian Recovery Specialist - Full Time - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The Lead Avian Recovery Specialist at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in Makawao, HI, is responsible for the care and husbandry of endangered avian species, including feeding, maintaining enclosures, and collecting behavioral data. This full-time position involves mentoring staff and assisting in animal health treatments. Candidates should have prior animal care experience, with a preference for those with conservation or education backgrounds.
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 Lead Avian Recovery Specialist works toward 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 with program managers to develop research questions and data collection methods; works to prepare birds for breeding and reproduction for eventual release into native habitat. This position provides mentoring to Senior Avian Recovery Specialist and can assist in training Avian Recovery Specialist. The Lead Avian Recovery Specialist should be proficient in all knowledge and abilities of the Senior Avian Recovery Specialist and Avian Recovery Specialist positions. 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 with training of new staff and interns in all essential functions of the job descriptions; Acts as mentor and role model to staff in Avian Recovery Specialist and Senior Avian Recovery Specialist roles.
• 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.
• Assists with development, updates, or changes to protocols for the facilities and/or care of the assigned animals as well as assists in developing and answering research questions for assigned species.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
JOB EXPERIENCE
• Prior animal care experience required.
• Experience with environmental conservation or education is preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Some college preferred.
• Education, training and/or 3-4 years experience which would clearly demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills outlined.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Understanding of animal husbandry, care, and welfare needs.
• Knowledge of Avian behavior; Avian biology and anatomy; zoology.
• Working knowledge of care, feeding, and housing of exotic animals.
• Knowledge of safety practices for working with wild avian species.
• Use common computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook or other email systems) and Internet.
• Understanding of use and functions of computer based record-keeping systems (ZIMS, Survey 123, and others).
• Able to perform data and sample gathering techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse team environment and motivate others.
• Able to work in a team environment and independently.
• Able to multi-task and prioritize work needed during specific time-frames.
• Demonstrated ability to deal tactfully and courteously with others.
• Able to communicate and work effectively with others.

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:Makawao, Maui, CA
• 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:$30.52

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 tosdzwacareers@sdzwa.organd 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 freeworkplace.