WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR TECHNICIAN - Seasonal FT

Description

Wildlife rehabilitators are responsible for the care of injured, sick, or orphaned animals. Responsibilities include providing our patient animals with food, shelter, and medical attention until they're healthy enough to be released back into their natural habitat.

Major Functions and Responsibilities

Wildlife rehabilitators have a wide range of responsibilities which can include:

Admission and triage of new wildlife patients

Administration of appropriate medications, treatments and therapies, including humane euthanasia when necessary observing animals' behavior, interactions with each other, and reactions to stimuli in their environment in order to determine their best care plan

Cleaning and maintenance of wildlife areas and enclosures

Cleaning and maintenance of clinic stations including kitchen, reception, etc.

Provide daily care of patients including preparation and distribution of appropriate diets and fresh water for patients

Regular health checks for patients (body condition, behavior, weight, etc.)

Provide appropriate housing for wildlife patients

Maintaining detailed records of treatments and observations of each animal's progress over time

Identifying wildlife species

Understanding life history of wildlife patients

Educating the public about wildlife conservation and safety measures to prevent injury from animals

Assists seasonal staff in orphan program management and support

Assist homecare with supply needs

Release preparation and assessment

Required Abilities and Skills

Excellent oral and written communications skills; including public speaking

Competency in basic word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software

Experience in conflict resolution and strong creative problem-solving skills

Understanding of and commitment to the role and mission of Ohio Wildlife Center

Physically fit; able to lift 50 pounds and no aversion to inclement weather

Obtain rabies vaccinations (upon employment) and maintain titers

Clean background check, valid Ohio motor vehicle operator's license and good driving record

Well versed on laws of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio Division of Wildlife, and animal regulations of local municipalities

Maintain professional appearance (includes wearing appropriate, well-kept uniform)

Adhere to policies and operating standards of Ohio Wildlife Center

Positively promote Ohio Wildlife Center's programs and services

Maintain positive attitude and public image at all times

Extensive knowledge of animal care to provide the best care for the animals. This includes knowing how to handle and feed different types of wildlife, how to provide them with medical care and how to keep them safe and comfortable in their rehabilitation space.

Strong communication skills with other professionals, such as veterinarians, to ensure the health of the animals they treat. They also communicate with the public to educate them about wildlife rehabilitation and to encourage them to report injured animals.

Ability to solve problems by researching solutions and implementing them.

Attention to details and organizational skills, as they often have many responsibilities and tasks to complete.

Adaptability as may be exposed to weather conditions that may change throughout the day as well as work with a variety of animals, some of which may be more challenging to care for than others.

Necessary Knowledge and Experience

Bachelors or Associate degree in related field (e.g., wildlife management, zoology, biology) or equivalent experience, desired

Extensive knowledge of general biology of native Ohio wildlife

Working knowledge and understanding of wildlife rehabilitation in Ohio

Minimum one year of animal care and husbandry experience

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The following physical requirements must be met by a candidate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees are regularly required to use steps; stand on feet for up to four hours at a time; balance, stoop and kneel; lift and/or move 25 pounds and sit at a desk while using a keyboard. Position also requires employees to see, read, talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is also frequently required to walk and reach with arms and hands. The employee is occasionally required to climb and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and work outdoors in inclement weather. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.