Animal Care Staff/Wildlife Rehabilitator

Position Objectives:

• Quality care and treatment of all wildlife patients.
• Compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.

General Position Guidelines:
The Animal Care Staff/Wildlife Rehabilitator is responsible for the care and treatment of wildlife patients according to accepted standards and documented procedures. The Animal Care Staff/Wildlife Rehabilitator is also responsible for compliance with required state and federal reporting, procedures, including annual admission/disposition statistics, drug usage reporting, and any other directives issued by agencies governing the animal care activities of the Wildlife in Need Center. This position reports to the Director of Animal Care. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Primary responsibility for daily husbandry, exams, care, treatment of wildlife in care at WINC.
• Performs examinations, basic diagnostic procedures, and treatment plans for incoming patients.
• Work with animal care staff to determine final disposition of wild patients, to evaluate and ensure timely and appropriate release of all wildlife patients.
• Monitor, identify and perform enclosure and facility construction/maintenance needs, and assist in planning new operations programs.
• Ensure that protocols for infection/disease control are being followed by volunteers and interns.
• Assist in maintaining inventory and oversee the purchasing of animal diets and rehabilitation supplies within budget guidelines – Director of Animal Care needs to approve purchases.
• Responsible for working with and closely supervising 5-12 volunteers and interns at a time per shift. (Task delegation and time efficiency are two very critical responsibilities while supervising volunteers and interns). 
• Assisting with training of animal care volunteers, both formal training and daily on-the-job learning.
• Check in with volunteer shifts daily to communicate updates and to keep open communication
• Assist with hands-on training of animal care interns.
• Responsibility for adherence to WINC’s animal care policies and procedures.
• Responsibility for the accuracy of patient records and individual drug use reporting.
• Continuously contribute to teamwork environment and actively work to promote positive work environment for volunteers, interns and staff

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provide input to animal care policies and procedures and assist with implementation of new changes and programs.
• Provide feedback to the Director of Animal Care on the performance of interns and volunteers.
• Seek supportive care as needed to meet the position objectives, e.g., request specific training or identify a need for specialized equipment/supplies.
• Provide support for the educational programs in conjunction with the education staff.
• Assist in providing daily care, proper enrichment, and medical care to WINC’s educational ambassadors.
• Responsible for accurate charting on patient records.
• Assist all staff in maintaining accurate records and good relationships with landowner’s actively participating in our release program.
• Assist Director of Animal Care with staying current on new methods, procedures, and protocols in wildlife rehabilitation that can be implemented by the organization.

Responsibilities Specific for Animal Care Staff/Wildlife Rehabilitator 

• Assist in all aspects of wildlife care
• Work to maintain a positive and supportive environment for volunteers
• Work to always maintain a positive work environment for staff and volunteers
• May be asked to assist in Boy Scout and Girl Scout Program and group service projects 
• Assist in ordering General Food/Supply Inventory/Medical Inventory with Director of Animal Care approval

Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Sciences, zoology, or another animal-related field
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the field of wildlife rehabilitation
• Must have current rabies pre-exposure vaccinations or willing to get the rabies pre-exposure vaccinations
• Euthanasia certification preferred
• WI wildlife rehabilitation license or willing to apply for Wisconsin wildlife rehabilitation license.
• Must be able to lift/move 50 pounds, endure long workdays in a physically and emotionally demanding setting while maintaining focus, accuracy and physical activities required by the job.

This is a full time, salaried position that reports to the Director of Animal Care. The salary range is $25,000-$30,000 based on qualifications and experience. Primary hours vary annually, but will include some holidays, weekends, and evenings. This position is available immediately. Benefits include PTO and other perks as defined in the employee handbook. To apply, email detailed cover letter, resume, availability, contact information for three references, salary expectations and references to lfosco@helpingwildlife.org.