Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician

Description

Ohio Wildlife Center Position Description


WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR TECHNICIAN


Position Type: Full Time (40 hours per week)

Location: Ohio Wildlife Center, Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic

Reports to: Staff Supervisor and Operational Director

Summary: 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
• Keep track of animal locations and dispositions using our preferred database
• Identifying wildlife species
• Understanding life history of wildlife patients and commitment to continued learning
• Educating the public about wildlife conservation and safety measures to prevent injury from animals
• Guide volunteers through foundation tasks, assist in delegating jobs when needed
• Assists seasonal staff in orphan program management and support
• Assist homecare with supply needs
• Release preparation and assessment
• Assist with release scheduling. This includes contacting presenters or property owners for permission, coordinating with volunteers, and marking on the calendars.
• Other duties as assigned

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

• Willingness to learn and uphold the 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.
• Ability to work an untraditional schedule which may include weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.

Requirements

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.