Reports To
The Wildlife Rehabilitator will report to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Supervisor.
Job Overview
As a wildlife rehabilitator, an employee in this position will work with sick, injured, or impaired wildlife to provide husbandry care and therapy to help them recover to the point of being able to be released. The position must be flexible for work assignments in any area of direct care to include indoor or outdoor, rehabilitation, release, nursery, or triage operations.
Energetic professional capable of multitasking and adapting to various work challenges. Experienced in handling a wide range of responsibilities. Well organized, flexible and enjoys the challenges of supporting a wildlife center comprised of diverse people.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Prepare food/diets, feed, and water animals throughout workday.
- Clean assigned enclosures – interior and exterior, ensure animal safety.
- Provide and install appropriate furnishing inside of habitats.
- Monitor assigned animals for any medical or behavioral problems, alert appropriate staff.
- Carry out medical treatments or assist in medical treatments per supervisors or clinic staff.
- Perform assisted feedings and adjust feeding regimens, as dictated by patient’s needs.
- Chart feeding, medication, and behavior appropriately. Carry out directives from other staff on behavior sheets and patient records.
- Capture/move/transfer animals within the facility or for release as needed. Update patient records in the database as needed.
- Assists with conditioning and preparing animals for release.
- Monitor and stock supplies.
- Maintain all working areas’ cleanliness and safety for staff, patients, and volunteers.
- Maintain cleanliness and safety of habitats and provide animals with adequate diet and fresh water throughout the day.
- May be called on to answer calls from the public relating to wildlife in distress or providing educational demonstrations to the public.
- Provide relief husbandry care and other direct animal care in all areas of the rehabilitation process, including triage and nursery as requested.
- Work with mentor or provide direction to Volunteers and interns as assigned.
Qualifications
- Animal-handling skills, keenly observant, well-organized, and good communication skills.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize.
- Ability to move/lift 50 lbs. for 25 yards, climb, bend and crawl in confined spaces.
- Proficient in oral and written communications.
- Ability to follow written directions and record observations.
- If not already vaccinated, must be willing and able to have the rabies prophylaxis vaccine administered as well as have routine booster shots for the length of employment.
- Must be able to work outdoors in variable and sometimes extreme weather conditions.
- Must have passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, and be mission-driven and self-directed.
Specific requirements include:
- Must have obtained a high School diploma. Bachelor’s degree, in biology, zoology or wildlife management preferred.
- Wildlife and exotic animal handling experience preferred.
- Must have valid Florida Driver License and safe driving record.
Work Hours
The Center operates 365 days per year, as such staff will be scheduled to work weekends and holidays on a regular or recurring basis. Scheduled hours are typically 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with one-hour non-paid lunch, with overtime pre-approved, as necessary. Since all staff are considered ambassadors of the Center, there may be requirements to participate in direct customer interactions, after hours functions, or offsite activities and events.
Benefits:
The South Florida Wildlife Center offers an exciting, stable career with great employee benefits such as 10 annual paid holidays, 3 weeks of accrued annual/vacation, health, dental and vision insurance, tuition reimbursement program.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Holidays
- Overtime
Work Location: In person