Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician 

Schedule: This is a full-time, year-round position that follows a non-traditional work week. 

Compensation: This is an hourly, non-exempt position with a starting rate of $18-$20 per hour, depending on experience. The position includes 10 days of paid time off (PTO) and 5 days of sick time annually.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC) is seeking a Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician to assist with animal intake, care, enrichment, diet preparation, and releases. Reporting to the Wildlife Care Manager, the Technician will work with staff, interns, and volunteers to provide high-quality care for wildlife and support LTWC's mission. Additional duties may include training, participating in educational events, and handling phone inquiries. This role plays a key part in advancing LTWC’s wildlife rehabilitation and conservation goals.

WHO WE ARE:

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Inc. (LTWC) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned and injured wildlife. Operating under permits from California Fish & Wildlife and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, LTWC is located on 27 acres with wildlife enclosures and a new multi-purpose administration and animal care hospital.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Animal Care

• Assist in overseeing animals throughout the rehabilitation process, ensuring proper care, treatment, and meeting of their needs.
• Provide quality care including intake exams, treatment plans, medication administration, diagnostic exams, and euthanasia when required.
• Supervise and train volunteers and interns to optimize patient care and ensure task completion.
• Clean and feed animals, monitor for changes in behavior, and update patient records and charts.
• Assist with weekly inventory of medical and food supplies.
• Support the Veterinarian, Wildlife Care Manager, and staff with animal handling for medical procedures.
• Help with specialized medical procedures and follow LTWC’s care policies and procedures.
• Use WRMD for data entry, chart updates, and review of reports.
• Assess release readiness and facilitate wildlife releases.
• Contribute to enclosure projects to improve patient care.
• Coordinate wildlife transportation as needed.
• Clean and disinfect all areas, as necessary, to maintain a safe and sanitary environment

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Participate in special events for LTWC as needed.
• Assist with social media by creating educational posts and capturing photos of wildlife rehabilitation stages.
• Help the Wildlife Care Manager develop protocols and procedures.
• Answer wildlife hotline calls, assisting the public with wildlife issues, questions, and concerns.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to maintain high standards of animal care, safety, sanitation, and customer service.
• Communicate effectively with team members via email, phone, messages, and walkie-talkie.
• Assist with ambassador care and education duties during the slow season, if needed.
• Assist with repairs and improvements to the center’s facilities, enclosures, and equipment.
• Perform other tasks as needed to support the organization’s goals and mission.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, zoology, or a related field.
• At least one year of wildlife rehabilitation or similar experience.
• Ability to work cooperatively, maintain enthusiasm, take initiative while working under pressure, and contribute to a positive and friendly work environment
• Pre-exposure rabies vaccination required (or willingness to vaccinate within 3 months).
• Euthanasia certification required (or willingness to certify within 3 months).
• Ability to foster teamwork, lead by example, approach problems in a solutions-oriented manner
• Capable of humanely performing euthanasia and managing the emotional aspects
• Must be available for required weekend shifts and evenings 
• Alignment with LTWC’s philosophy and policies on wildlife rehabilitation 
• Required vaccinations: Covid-19 and tetanus.
• Fluent in English with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and timely performance.
• Valid driver’s license, car insurance, and reliable transportation.

Physical Demands:  The employee must be able to meet the physical requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the job, including:

• Walk and/or stand on your feet throughout a normal active workday.
• Engage in repetitive motions of legs, arms, and hands.
• Ability to hear and to see. 
• Lift and move animals up to 50 pounds. 
• Tolerate allergic conditions from working with animals.
• Sit at a desk for extended periods, twisting to reach equipment and operate office tools.