Job Title: Wildlife Rehabilitator

Reports to: Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager

Job Summary:

The Wildlife Rehabilitator assists the Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager in all aspects of avian emergencies, critical care, and daily husbandry of all hospital patients. He/she aids in coordinating rescues, treatment, and diet plans along with administering medications and fluids. He/she is responsible for assisting with the training and mentoring of interns and volunteers. The Rehabilitator works in conjunction with the Programs Coordinator, Facilities Maintenance Staff, and Wildlife Hospital Technician. This is a full-time, hourly position and includes some holidays, weekends, evening and event hours.

 

Starting hourly pay of $16/hour.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

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• Assist in ensuring compliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) permits and regulations for the rescue and rehabilitation of wild birds.

• Assist in ensuring compliance with USFWS and FWC permits and regulations for the educational display of the non-releasable birds at the Sanctuary.

• Assist in planning and administering medical treatments for each patient throughout the rehabilitation process. This includes but is not limited to: appropriate triage, emergency care, housing and food items for all birds.

• Maintain detailed records including patient files, care instructions, and patient log book.

• Assist in advanced surgeries performed by Volunteer Veterinarian (monitor breathing, heart rate, sedation, etc.)

• Independently conduct basic medical procedures/treatments (i.e. suturing, radiographs, blood work, medication dosage, humane euthanasia, fracture stabilization, wound management, laser therapy, etc) with regards to skill limitations.

• Assist in tracking inventory of all medical/clinical supplies and food supplies for the Hospital.

• Assist in the training of interns and volunteers in bird care as needed. Teach routine medical procedures (tube feedings, fluid therapy, wound management, medications, blood work, radiographs, and fracture stabilization) and basic knowledge of species in all aspects of rescue, rehab and release.

• Be available to respond to any after-hour or day-off emergencies if needed. (i.e. bird emergencies, caging emergencies/issues)

• Network with other rehabilitation centers to ensure best possible care; attend national rehabilitation conferences and training to be able to perform highest standards of rehab and management.

• When necessary, educate the public with bird rehabilitation topics (i.e. newspaper articles on endangered species/rehab techniques, social media posts regarding rehabilitation, etc.) to create a positive image for FKWBC.

• Participate in the development of FKWBC’s FOOTPRINTS newsletter and social media by providing pictures and stories

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager.

Candidate Requirements:

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• Must possess or be able to acquire within a timely manner a Florida State Wildlife Rehabilitator’s license.

• Must be familiar with USFWS standards and regulations.

• Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in the biological sciences or animal-related major.

• Have at least two years of experience in rehabilitation, special consideration given to avian rehabilitation.

Qualifications:

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• Thrive in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment.

• Experience capturing, handling, and restraining wildlife, preferably birds.

• Knowledge of rehab techniques, protocols, and medical records in a hospital setting.

• Understand or ability to learn basic medical terminology, avian physiology and anatomy.

• Effectively communicate information on an individual basis and group situations; strong interpersonal skills for interactions with employees, volunteers, and the public.

• Knowledge of or ability to learn natural history of native birds (appropriate diets/nutrition, behaviors, habitats).

• Great time-management skills with the ability to plan, organize, and multitask.

• Self-motivated, confident and disciplined with excellent work ethic.

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

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How to Apply / Contact:

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Please email current resume and cover letter to Jordan Budnik at info@keepthemflying.org with  "Wildlife Rehabilitator Position - Your Name" as the email subject. Applicants that fail to email both documents will not be considered. Please email with any additional questions about job posting.

 

Application deadline: 10/1/2020. Approximate start date: 11/2/2020. Final hiring decisions will be complete by 10/9/2020.