Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician - Lindsay Wildlife Experience

The wildlife rehabilitation technician reports to the wildlife hospital & rehabilitation manager and will work in and encourage a team environment for the daily hospital and rehabilitation operation; overseeing the initial and continuing treatment of injured and orphaned wildlife; assistance in developing policy and procedure; daily supervision of other rehabilitation technicians, volunteers on shift in the hospital and in satellite locations; Education of staff, volunteers and public interaction and communication to aid with wildlife questions and concerns as well as with hospital intakes. Key Priorities Strengthen the wildlife rehabilitation program. Save the lives of injured and orphaned wild animals in our care by ensuring the highest level of treatment. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Ability to work professionally in a high‑stress environment. Strong independent nursing skills. Primary Responsibilities Daily team leadership of triage, initial treatment, and continuing care of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Cooperatively manage the flow of cases through the day; assist in managing volunteer teams to maximize care and ensure all work is completed satisfactorily; maintain accurate charts and records. Conduct (or supervise) exams, basic wound treatment, administer fluids and supportive care, medications and treatments; utilize established medical protocols and procedures. Perform euthanasia when necessary. Lead as an effective team member with staff and volunteers to ensure the highest standards of hygiene, husbandry, safety and customer service in the hospital and in satellite locations. Assist with and perform anesthesia (induction, intubation, maintenance, recovery, records); radiographs; wound care; blood draws; catheter placement; and other medical procedures directed by veterinarian. Prepare and read parasitology samples, cytology, blood smears, and other laboratory diagnostics. Set up and clean up medical procedures including maintenance of surgical instruments, spaces, and diagnostic equipment. Communicate post‑op surgical and medical care to animal encounter keepers, other technicians, and volunteers as needed to facilitate care. Participate in updating husbandry and clinical protocols. Coordinate animal moves in the hospital and in satellite locations to ensure animals graduate between enclosures and move through the system appropriately. Answer phone calls; help the public and volunteers with wildlife issues and questions. Present behind‑the‑scenes (BTS) presentations that highlight the work of the hospital and work with the Education Department to ensure the BTS message reflects the institution’s mission. Teach policy, procedure and necessary skills to staff, students and volunteers. Evaluate veterinary students in collaboration with the veterinarian. Participate in the training of assistants, volunteers and interns, both initial training and continuing education; assist with updating training materials as needed. Qualifications California RVT license (or ability to acquire one) preferred. Minimum of two years’ experience working in a wildlife rehabilitation program. Technical nursing skills in the exotic animal field, diagnostics and wound care required. Knowledge of natural history and husbandry for native California wildlife. Must be able to work weekends, some evenings and some holidays. Previous management skills preferred. Strong teamwork and communication skills; ability to work well with staff, volunteers and the general public. Physical Requirements and Work Environment Lindsay’s wildlife hospital can be fast‑paced, intense, and emotionally fraught for staff, volunteers, and the public. The successful candidate should possess situational awareness. Required physical activities: stand, stoop, twist, walk, lift animal crates and other objects (up to 50 pounds), and stand on a concrete floor for up to 10 hours/day. Exposure: frequent handling/restraining of sick, injured and orphaned native wild animals; risk of zoonosis, bites, scratches; exposure to allergens; must receive pre‑exposure rabies vaccinations (or be willing to obtain within three months). Lindsay Wildlife Experience is a drug‑free, smoke‑free environment. Physical Demands Medium strength demands including exerting 20–50 pounds occasionally, 10–25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly. Handling, using vision and hearing, and talking. Standing, fine dexterity, walking, lifting, sitting, reaching, pushing/pulling, balancing, twisting. Carrying, kneeling, foot controls, bending, crouching (occasionally), rarely climbing. Non‑Physical Demands Frequent time constraints, multitasking, irregular schedule/overtime, working closely with others as part of a team, tedious or exacting work, noisy/distracting environment. Rarely requires emergency situations. Overall Working Conditions Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Primarily office environment, as well as public exhibit hall programming, and infrequent outdoor event and/or outreach sites. Hours, Benefits & Compensation Full‑time, non‑exempt, hourly position. Requires weekend and occasional holiday work. Salary $22–24 per hour. Benefits include vacation, sick and holiday paid time‑off. EEO Policy Statement It is the policy of Lindsay Wildlife Experience to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, citizen status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic or status protected by federal, state or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr