Avian Care Technician (seasonal)

Seasonal Avian Care Technician

The Avian Care Technician is responsible for various aspects of hospital operations, including patient care, housekeeping tasks, training new volunteers and interns, and record keeping. The Avian Care Technician must be able to juggle a multitude of tasks with energy, accuracy, professionalism, flexibility, and a sense of humor. This position reports to the director and works with the Animal Care Assistant, volunteers, interns, partner organizations and the general public. A passion for songbirds, conservation, and the environment is essential.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Care for injured and orphaned songbirds, including hand-feeding dozens of baby birds every 30-45 minutes, diet preparation, housing set-up and maintenance, and enrichment
Perform patient intake exams, stabilization, initial care
Prepare, accurately calculate dosages and administer medications
Perform safe capture, handling and restraint of songbirds
Through hands-on participation and supervision of volunteers and interns, ensure timely completion of daily housekeeping tasks including dishes, laundry, sweeping, mopping, cleaning and disinfecting housing, restocking supplies, caring for feeder insects
Train new volunteers and interns on daily housekeeping tasks, and ensure tasks are completed accurately
Maintain cleanliness & organization of the facility at all times
Follow hospital and biosecurity procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients and team members
Assist with transport and release of birds as needed
As needed, assist members of the public seeking advice about or help with native songbirds
Maintain patient records and enter data in medical database
Comply with all permit conditions of California Department of Fish and Wildlife and US Fish & Wildlife Service
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum one year of experience working in a licensed wildlife hospital, veterinary clinic, or related field, ideally working hands-on with songbirds. Volunteering or comparable experience in other wildlife-related work or study will be considered, if applicable to this position
Able to work calmly and efficiently in busy, high-intensity situations
Ability to perform the essential duties of the position in a physically and emotionally demanding environment, maintaining attention to detail, accuracy, and sustained performance throughout scheduled shifts
Experience training and supervising volunteers, preferably in an animal care setting
Knowledge of natural history, particularly of local native songbirds
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions
Computer literacy & ability to learn our medical database system
Strong organizational and time management skills
Basic mathematical skills and the ability to accurately work with units of weight, volume, and concentration
Some college with a background in wildlife biology or related animal science is desirable
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must have current valid driver's license, excellent driving record, reliable vehicle and current vehicle insurance
Current tetanus and covid vaccines required, and health insurance strongly recommended
Upon hire, must pass a background check

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described herein represent essential components of the job of working in wildlife rehabilitation. They include but are not limited to the following: able to lift or move up to 50 lbs, stand on a concrete floor for up to 8 hours a day; and kneel, crouch, stoop, crawl and reach to arm’s length. Must have excellent vision and possess physical dexterity and coordination to use hands and fingers to handle, feel and feed tiny fragile patients as small as 2-3 grams. While performing the tasks listed elsewhere in this document, the incumbent is routinely exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, allergens such as dust and dander, zoonotic diseases, frightened animals, inclement weather conditions, and noise.

SCHEDULE

The schedule for this position begins no later than the first week of May 2026 and concludes no later than the first week of August 2026. This position is 5 days/32-40 per week. Shifts are 8 hours and include weekends, holidays, and some evenings. Due to the nature of our work, no planned time off for the duration of the position. Some flexibility for start date and initial schedule will be considered for the right candidate and students.

COMPENSATION

$20.00 - 22.00 per hour. This is a seasonal, temporary, non-exempt position.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome a diverse pool of applicants.

To Apply: email cover letter, resume and 2 professional references to veronica@nativesongbirdcare.org, subject line: Avian Care Tech