Scientific Technician, Wildlife Rescue Operations

Description

Pay range: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $25.43 - $29.20 per hour. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with Oakland Zoo's compensation philosophy. 

Position Summary 

The Scientific Technician actively supports and participates in wildlife rescue, recovery, or welfare advocacy programs within our Animal Welfare and Research (AWR) department under the Animal Care, Conservation and Research (ACCR). These positions are typically funded through grants and so may have a defined end date. 

The primary responsibilities for this role include coordinating statewide confiscated and salvaged wildlife efforts, supporting onsite wildlife rescue operations and care activities, maintaining detailed records and program documentation, and providing technical support across other AWR programs as assigned. The position regularly collaborates with external partners and internal staff to support animal welfare, conservation, rescue, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts. Assignments may evolve or change over time in response to organizational needs, strategic priorities, and available funding. 

This position may oversee the daily tasks of Scientific Aides, interns, students, and volunteers and is under the general direction of the AWR Program Manager and reports to the Director of Animal Welfare and Research. 

Essential Job Duties 

Wildlife Confiscations Coordination (up to 50%) 

• Coordinate statewide activities related to confiscated, impounded, surrendered, salvaged, or otherwise displaced wildlife 
• Serve as a point of contact for partner organizations, wildlife agencies, law enforcement entities, animal welfare organizations, zoological institutions, veterinarians, and rehabilitation facilities 
• Facilitate animal placement, transfer, transport, and disposition activities 
• Manage case tracking and maintain accurate records, permits, logs, reports, and supporting documentation 
• Coordinate logistics associated with animal movement, temporary housing, resource allocation, and partner communication 
• Monitor active cases and provide status updates to stakeholders 
• Assist with development, implementation, and continuous improvement of wildlife confiscation and rescue protocols and procedures 
• Support emergency response and special projects involving wildlife as assigned 

Wildlife Rescue, Intake, and Care Support (up to 25%) 

• Support onsite wildlife rescue and recovery intake, care, and assessment activities 
• Assist with animal husbandry, observation, feeding, enrichment, transport preparation, and general care in accordance with established protocols 
• Collect, record, and report animal health, behavioral, and welfare observations 
• Prepare and maintain equipment, supplies, and facilities needed for rescue and recovery operations 
• Support safe animal handling, biosecurity, and workplace safety practices 
• Assist veterinary, animal care, and recovery staff as needed 

Support for Other AWR Programs (up to 25%) 

• Provide technical and operational support for animal welfare, conservation, research, public engagement, and other AWR initiatives 
• Assist with data collection, database management, inventory tracking, reporting, and administrative tasks 
• Support training activities, volunteer engagement, outreach efforts, and special projects 
• Participate in cross-functional assignments and contribute to departmental priorities as needed 
• Perform other related duties as assigned 

Ancillary Job Duties 

• Assist with the care and maintenance of equipment, supplies, and facilities for AWR programs, specifically within and around the Biodiversity Conservation Center. 
• Assist with interpreting research findings and revising procedures as necessary to achieve desired results. 
• Ensure good communication with AWR staff, supervisor, and Director of AWR. 
• Serve as a resource to AWR/ACCR, Zoo, and others on all aspects of assigned area of biological research, species/samples care, diagnostics, social science, or science communication. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibility: 

• None 

Who you are: 

• Bachelor’s degree in conservation biology, ecology, sociology, or discipline relevant or related to the research being conducted. 
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience across the following areas:  
• Working with wildlife, exotic species, animal welfare organizations, zoological institutions, wildlife rehabilitation programs, conservation organizations, or related agencies  
• Coordinating activities among multiple organizations, agencies, or stakeholders with competing priorities  
• Wildlife rehabilitation, zoological animal care, conservation field work, or animal welfare programs 
• Familiarity with California wildlife issues, wildlife trafficking concerns, or confiscated wildlife placement challenges 
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders and represent an organization professionally 
• Strong problem-solving skills and comfort making decisions with incomplete information while seeking appropriate guidance 
• Proven ability to work independently while maintaining accountability and communication 
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to meet insurance carrier requirements. 
• Able to work outside normal business hours including weekends and holidays 

Bonus if you have: 

• Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wildlife in captive and field environments; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions. 
• Involvement in the wild animal profession outside of the Zoo (professional organizations, field work, activism, etc.). 

Work Environment - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. 

• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions, indoors in a wet lab environment, and open office environments. 
• Will be required to work with live, sick, injured, and dead animals, animal waste, live food, chemicals, and disease pathogens using provided PPE. 
• Must be able to work in environments with moderate sensory stimuli, such as produced by filtration equipment, dense urban environment, and open office environment. 
• Must be able to work in isolation rooms that are heated to 80 degrees or chilled to 65 degrees. 

Physical Considerations - The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Good physical condition with ability to walk long distances, crouch, stoop, crawl on stomach for 5-feet, scale hurdles up to 2.5 feet tall. 
• Able to see and hear environmental hazards, focus on search parameters for up to 1.5 hours. 
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. and move (push and pull) a minimum of 120 lbs. 
• Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions. 

Knowledge/Skills/Qualities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position. 

• Analytical and Conceptual Aptitude – engages in and facilitates broad organizational strategic thinking/planning with awareness of equity, inclusion, accessibility, and cultural relevance. 
• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility. 
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing. 
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision. 
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor. 
• Inclusive Culture – fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued. 
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems. 
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times. 
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department. 
• Technological Aptitude – able to quickly understand, develop and maintain functional digital systems. 
• Time Management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments. 
• Wildlife Aware – understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife. 

Benefits

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and Zoo Membership options.