Wildlife Care Attendant - Seasonal (FT)

POSITION OVERVIEW

The seasonal Wildlife Care Attendant position plays a vital role in a wildlife rehabilitation setting by providing life-saving medical care and species-specific husbandry to the native wildlife in our care. This position works closely with the director, wildlife veterinarian, additional staff, and volunteers to ensure quality care is given to every single patient. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: 

• Handle various native wildlife species in a safe and stress-free manner


• Exhibit a humane and caring attitude at all times towards the animals in our care 


• Assist with intake exam and basic treatment of various native wildlife species


• Upkeep patient medical records through the Wildlife Rehab Medical Database software


• Prepare diets for various native wildlife species


• Assist-feed baby animals when appropriate


• Provide careful, ongoing observation of animals throughout the facility to see that the animals are safe. Promptly notify appropriate staff if any animal shows signs of need for immediate medical attention.


• Oversee volunteers caring for wildlife patients


• Administer oral and subcutaneous injections when needed


• Clean and disinfect enclosures, flight pens, perches, and feeding equipment as per established protocols. 


• Provide species-specific enrichment to long term rehabilitation patients


• Monitor inventory, restock as needed, assist Director with product ordering


• Assist with pre-release conditioning and exams of wildlife rehab patients


• Answer questions from members of the public about wildlife rehab, when to intervene, and coexistence


• Assist with tours of the facility as needed


• Abide by wildlife care guidelines established by the director and wildlife veterinarian


• Abide by state and federal laws and regulations regarding wildlife


• Attend meetings and training pertaining to your position


• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays


• Other duties as assigned

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

• Leadership – Maintain a positive, upbeat role, promote and exemplify Shelter values and represents departmental objectives and interests to internal and external customers


• Customer Service – Follow up on complaints, questions, and concerns; respond to internal/external customer needs in a friendly, timely and efficient manner


• Teamwork - Develop and promote teamwork and cooperation among co-workers


• Safety – Comply with established safe work practices and attend to all safety-related training provided or made available by the Shelter

QUALIFICATIONS – To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Graduate or G.E.D.


• Minimum one year of vet assistant or similar experience in a veterinary office, animal shelter, zoo, or wildlife rehabilitation setting 


• Euthanasia certification; rabies vaccination experience; VACSP permit is a plus

Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities

• Must be well-organized and detail-oriented


• Proficient computer data entry skills


• Good interpersonal skills 


• Able to effectively communicate with staff, volunteers, and a diverse public population


• Able to enthusiastically work in a fast-paced work environment, while problem solving and multitasking


• Must be flexible to work additional hours when workload requires


• Knowledge of animal behavior 


• A watch with a second hand is required


• A Stethoscope could be required

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Euthanasia certification is a plus


• VACSP permit is a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS – See attached “Physical Demands of the Position” for complete list.

This job requires you to be able to lift and carry heavy objects; bend, kneel, twist and climb; stand for long periods; walk on uneven surfaces; work outside in various weather conditions; be exposed to many different types of wildlife animals.  

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION – This position has access to confidential information –

• Volunteer Information


• Animal information including medical status