Job Opening: Part-time Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician (CA)

Job Description

International Bird Rescue is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured and contaminated aquatic birds. Between our two centers in San Pedro, CA and Fairfield, CA, we treat on average 4,000 patients per year. We currently have an immediate opening for a rehabilitation technician at our SF Bay Wildlife Center in Fairfield, CA.

Rehabilitation technicians are responsible for the husbandry and medical care of patients as well as public outreach and education regarding wildlife issues. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required for training/managing volunteers and for interacting with co-workers, veterinarians and other local rehabilitation centers. For individuals interested in becoming part of Bird Rescue’s internationally renowned response team, this is a great opportunity to learn about, work with, and become proficient at rehabilitating these challenging species. An RVT licensed in the state of California and/or a bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred; however, individuals with a strong background or interest in wildlife rehabilitation are encouraged to apply.

For more information about Bird Rescue, visit www.birdrescue.org

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Assist with and administer medical treatments under supervision of the manager and veterinarian (including radiographs, anesthesia and humane euthanasia in accordance with Bird Rescue policies and local and federal laws).
• Maintain complete and accurate animal care records.
• Determine and provide appropriate triage/emergency care, housing/enclosures and diets including live and dead food items.
• Clean and disinfect all areas as necessary to maintain a safe and sanitary environment throughout the hospital and facility.
• Inventory and maintain clinic/medical supplies.
• Provide oversight, direction and training of volunteers on a daily basis.
• Perform other duties, as assigned, to ensure a positive public image, enhance the operation of the organization and improve the quality of life for the animals.
• Respond to inquiries from members of the public and other local rehabilitation centers.
• Schedules are 4 days per week at 10 hours per day from 8 AM to closing (with overtime as required based on clinic caseload and season).

Required qualifications

• A minimum of six months of related education/experience/training.
• Ability to read, write and comprehend detailed animal care protocols and medical notes.
• Ability to understand basic medical terminology, avian physiology and anatomy.
• Have excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize work.
• Effectively communicate information on both an individual basis and group situations and have excellent interpersonal skills for interactions with volunteers, other employees, governing agencies, outside members of the public and other rehabilitation centers.
• Basic computer skills with Microsoft Office and data entry, preferably with an electronic patient records system (ex. RaptorMed).
• Excellent basic mathematical skills and the ability to accurately work with units of weight, volume and concentration.
• This position requires a background check.

Preferred qualifications

• Past work in a wildlife rehabilitation clinic.
• Experience capturing, handling and restraining wild animals, preferably birds.
• Familiarity with the Incident Command System and Oiled Wildlife Care Network protocols.
• Registered veterinary technician (RVT) certified by the California Veterinary Medical Board.
• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, wildlife management, biology, or related.

Physical demands and exposure to environmental conditions:

• Ability to stand, speak, listen and smell for long periods of time (hours).
• Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and ability to use hands/arms to palpate, handle, feel, reach and lift/move up to 40lbs.
• Must have good near, distance, color and peripheral vision as well as good depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Indoor and outdoor conditions include: temperatures of ~30-110 degrees F, rain, strong wind, high heat and humidity, dry air and allergens.
• Employees are exposed to moving parts, zoonotic diseases, aggressive/feral animals, toxic/caustic chemicals and radiography equipment.
• Travel to remote and potentially international areas may be required if activated for spill response.

For more information and to apply, click here.