Position Title: Specialist II - Wildlife 

Job Summary: This Specialist II will assist the Coastal Programs Coordinator with the daily operations of the center, ensuring that animal care is provided in a timely and efficient manner. This includes coordinating treatment plans for wildlife, ensuring animals receive appropriate veterinary care, medication, fluids, nutrition, physical therapy, and enrichment. The supervisor will work closely with the coordinator, interns, staff, and the public, handling diverse situations with professionalism. Additionally, this individual will manage and guide interns, respond to inquiries, ensure timely supply orders, and actively seek continuous learning opportunities to enhance animal care. The supervisor will represent the City of Orange Beach positively during wildlife rescues, public interactions, and educational events.

Key Responsibilities:
Supervision and Mentorship: 

• Supervise and training of interns with treatment plans and medical care activities related to animals in our care
• Ensure interns complete all assigned tasks efficiently and to the required standards.
• Conduct weekly educational sessions for interns.
• Complete intern orientation checklists within the two weeks and update as needed.
• Provide necessary training on WildOne database and other procedures.
• Support and offer feedback to interns, including addressing any disciplinary issues when necessary.
• Arrange training and externships for interns
• Communicate with the Coordinator effectively about interns and training

Animal Care and Treatment: 

• Ensure proper completion of intake forms and record keeping.
• Monitor the health of rehabilitating animals, consulting with the Coastal Programs Coordinator when release is not feasible.
• Maintain and oversee the diets and treatment plans for both rehab and educational animals.
• Promote and implement enrichment activities for animals, encouraging creative ideas for animal stimulation.
• Ensure enclosures and equipment are cleaned and maintained to the highest standard.
• Report any safety concerns or equipment issues promptly to the Coordinator.
• Relay vital information on animal health and treatment plans to the Coordinator.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Build and maintain relationships with local veterinarians, wildlife agencies, and relevant businesses.
• Assist with overseeing volunteers and manage their participation in center activities.
• Ensure proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and assist in training volunteers and interns on safety protocols.

Administrative and Secretarial Support: 

• Submit invoices to the Coastal Resources Office within two days of receipt.
• Direct the public to appropriate agencies when necessary.
• Maintain up-to-date contact information for interns and volunteers.
• Ensure that calls and inquiries are responded to promptly.
• Assist with the management of the center’s social media accounts, including Instagram and Facebook.

Miscellaneous: 

• Provide assistance with special projects and clerical tasks as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with supervisors and co-workers.
• Make sound decisions in emergency situations, ensuring the safety of all involved.

Qualifications:

• Possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed to complete assignments.
• Willingness to travel for conferences, workshops, and seminars.
• General knowledge of animal behavior and dietary needs is preferred.
• A strong work ethic, initiative 
• The ability to work individually and as part of a team

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required; college degree preferred.
• Oneyear paid experience with wildlife or in the veterinary field is preferred

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, and rain, and during pre-hurricane conditions.
• Ability to assess safety risks when handling wildlife and ensure the proper use of PPE and sanitization practices by all staff and volunteers.

Work Environment:

• The role involves safety risks associated with working with wildlife, such as bites, scratches, parasites, and zoonotic diseases. Wildlife capture situations may present unpredictable challenges that require sound judgment and decision-making.
• This position requires working in diverse and sometimes hazardous weather conditions, with proper protective equipment always provided.
• The ability to work in various environmental conditions, including high temperatures, humidity, and inclement weather, is required.

Note: This job description is intended to outline the primary duties and responsibilities of the position. It is not an exhaustive list, and the employee may be assigned additional tasks as necessary.