Part-Time Seasonal Wildlife Caretaker

Wildlife Center of Long Island | Huntington, NY

Compensation: $20–$23/hour, based on experience
Schedule: Thursday–Saturday 8am-4pm
Duration: Six-month seasonal position
Start date: October 1; flexible for the right candidate

About Wildlife Center of Long Island
Wildlife Center of Long Island is a 501©3 not-for-profit Wildlife Hospital & Education Center
founded in 1982, dedicated to the preservation of Long Island’s wildlife and natural habitats. We
receive over 10,000 calls to our Hotline annually and admit over 2,000 injured and orphaned
wild animals to our Hospital composed of migratory birds, small mammals, amphibians &
reptiles. In addition, we conduct education outreach programs for children and adults to foster
knowledge and appreciation for Long Island’s wildlife.
Wildlife Center of Long Island operates out of two locations within the Town of Huntington. The
primary location of work is in Centerport with a daily short trip to our outdoor enclosures, located
about 6.5 miles away. Employees utilize their own vehicle for work travel and are reimbursed for
mileage in accordance with IRS guidelines.

About the Opportunity
We are seeking a reliable, compassionate Wildlife Caretaker to care for injured & orphaned
native wildlife patients. This position is suited to someone with some experience in animal care
and a strong desire to learn about the field of wildlife rehabilitation. Once trained, the caretaker
will be working independently on daily animal care, usually with volunteer assistance. This
position reports to both Center Co-Directors, who provide guidance and are available for
questions and care decisions.
Wildlife rehabilitation is physically demanding and emotionally challenging. Duties include
prolonged standing, bending, lifting and carrying supplies, and repetitive cleaning. Not every
patient survives or can be released; compassion, resilience, and a positive attitude are
essential. For someone who is dependable, eager to learn, and committed to every aspect of
animal care, this position offers rewarding work with a direct impact on the lives of local wildlife.

Responsibilities
● Prepare diets, feed patients, and provide daily husbandry according to species-specific
instructions.
● Handle wildlife safely and carry out assigned basic medical care, including administering
medications, as trained and directed.
● Observe patients closely, maintain accurate records, and promptly communicate
changes or concerns.
● Clean and disinfect enclosures, equipment, work surfaces, floors, and shared care
areas.
● Complete laundry, wash feeding supplies and dishes, remove waste, and organize
storage areas.
● Restock supplies, monitor inventory, and promptly communicate supply needs.
● Complete daily tasks thoroughly, notice what needs attention, and help solve practical
problems within the scope of training and established procedures.
● Work with volunteers assisting with daily tasks and follow organizational policies, safety
practices, and sanitation procedures.
Qualifications
● Previous hands-on animal care experience is required.
● Background knowledge of native Long Island wildlife, including common species and
their natural history, is preferred.
● Curiosity and enthusiasm for continued learning and self-study. We are looking for
someone who enjoys building their knowledge, asks thoughtful questions, and is
receptive to feedback and updated practices.
● Resourcefulness and practical problem-solving skills, from recognizing when an
enclosure setup could be improved to helping address a routine facility issue.
● Strong reliability, organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.
● A proactive attitude toward cleaning, restocking, and routine facility upkeep.
● Emotional maturity, patience, and the ability to maintain a positive, constructive approach
during challenging situations.
● Ability to work independently on tasks for which training has been completed, follow
instructions consistently, recognize personal limits, and ask for help promptly.

How to Apply
Please email the following materials to Alicia Grubessi, Wildlife Center Director, at
agrubessi@wildlifecenterli.org:
● A brief cover letter describing your relevant experience, interest in wildlife rehabilitation,
and what makes you a good fit for this position.
● Your resume.
● Three professional references, including each person’s name, relationship to you, email
address, and phone number. References may include supervisors from employment,
internships, or volunteer positions.