Seasonal Wildlife Rehabilitator
Position Overview
The Seasonal Wildlife Rehabilitator is a temporary position that assists in the daily operation of the wildlife hospital and is focused on the care of wild animal patients in various stages of the rehabilitation process. Seasonal Wildlife Rehabilitators are focused on the medical and husbandry needs of wildlife rehab patients as well as permanent resident animals during the busy spring and summer season.
The Seasonal Wildlife Rehabilitator reports directly to the Clinic Supervisor who oversees day-to-day operations in the clinic. This position works directly with all other staff members to perform daily operations throughout the facility in a thorough, safe and mission-driven manner. All staff members uphold the Wildlife Images “Code of Conduct” in relation to interactions with other staff, volunteers, and interns. The Seasonal Wildlife Rehabilitator participates in the management and training of interns and volunteers in a very fast-paced environment and ensures that these individuals are properly executing their positions and responsibilities.
Role and Responsibilities
- Reports to Clinic Supervisor to complete daily duties in the clinic.
- Follow proper safety and sanitary protocols.
- Ensure standards are maintained in order to comply with permits, regulations, standards, and protocols established by Wildlife Images, associated governing agencies and professional wildlife rehabilitation organizations, including quality of life standards.
- Assist with the training of interns and volunteers in the clinic.
- Organize and inventory supplies, and request ordering of supplies when needed.
- Coordinate with other staff members to perform daily duties and special projects.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Responsibilities
- Handle, restrain and provide care for mammals, birds, and reptiles including birds of prey and small-medium sized carnivores.
- Administer initial physical exams, triage patients appropriately, and perform routine health checks.
- Administer appropriate medications PO, SQ, IM, or IP according to protocols.
- Collect and use various diagnostic resources to analyze samples including, but not limited to, drawing blood, collecting feces, skin/ear swab samples, and radiographs.
- Basic pharmaceutical math used to calculate drug dosages and reconstitute medications appropriate for individual patients.
- Knowledge of proper wound treatment. and wraps, splints, and bandage changes.
- Maintain health records and accurate charts on all wild patients to be used in record keeping and regulatory reports.
- Observe animal behavior to be able to interpret and distinguish signs of unusual behavior which may indicate illness/injury.
- Euthanize sick/injured animals as appropriate.
- Properly identify patient species and understand species natural history and the role it plays in their care.
- Care for orphaned and juvenile wild animals.
- Properly identify life stages of various species of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Understand appropriate neonate nutrition, housing, and daily husbandry.
- Interact with the public during educational opportunities, both in person, over the phone, and email.
- Participate in clinic talks.
- Able to assist the public over the phone with advice regarding injured or orphaned wildlife, animal rescues, transport, emergency care, and human-wildlife conflicts.
- Proper cleaning and disinfection between patients both inside the clinic and in outdoor rehabilitation enclosures.
- Organize and maintain clinic supplies and resources.
- Respond to patient update inquiries from the original rescuers as needed.
- Participate in research studies including White-nose syndrome, SARS-CoV-2, and HPAI surveillance testing.
Resident Animal Care Responsibilities
- Observe animal behavior to be able to interpret signs of unusual behavior which may indicate illness/injury.
- Assist with resident health care including exams, beak coping, and nail trims.
- Maintain records on all aspects of resident animal care.
General Facilities Responsibilities
- Perform routine maintenance, upkeep, and small-scale repairs on animal enclosures.
- Maintain tools and equipment used in daily animal care and exhibit maintenance.
- Assist with donor/sponsor events as directed by management.
- Coordinate with educational events when needed.
- Computer skills in data entry, use of Google Drive and associated programs, RaptorMed/WRMD.
- Properly store and dispose of chemicals and medical supplies.
Salary & Benefits
- $15.05-$17/hr DOE and bonus at the end of the season
- On-site housing is provided, if desired
- 401(k) matching (90-days employment)
- Health insurance (90-days employment)
- Paid time off
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Associate's Degree in biology or a related field preferred.
- Preference given to individuals with previous wildlife rehab experience, vet-tech experience, or those who are rabies vaccinated.
- A valid driver's license.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include weekends and holidays.
- Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds).
- Computer skills in data entry-Google Drive, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, and WRMD.
- Must have good written and oral communication skills.
To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to lilyt@wildlifeimages.org or reply to this ad directly to get into contact with us.