Wildlife Rehabilitation & Animal Caretaker

Position: Wildlife Rehabilitation & Animal Caretaker

Location: San Antonio, TX 78201

Website: www.wildlife-rescue.org

Apply to: tstables@wildlife-rescue.org

Job Type: Hourly, Non-exempt

Description: The Wildlife Rehabilitator and Animal Caretaker is responsible for ensuring that proper care is given to all animals at WRR according to approved protocols and standards. Animal Caretakers will be responsible for daily feeding, enclosure cleaning and maintenance, behavioral observations, and enrichment activities for a wide variety of Texas native avian, mammal, and reptile species. These animals include but are not limited to, opossums, songbirds, doves, deer, waterfowl, turtles, and tortoises. This position involves substantial animal care responsibilities, triage and care of new arrival patients, administrative duties (record keeping and telephone work), and fieldwork involving rescues, releases, and transportation of animals. Animal Caretakers are also expected to engage in public interaction, education and working with volunteers and apprentices.

Primary Position Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties of the Job:

• Complete Animal Caretaking shifts at the San Antonio location, upholding the high standards of care required

• Responsible for the health and well-being of all animals and integrity of housing and enclosures. Maintain detailed notes in departmental logs. Report abnormalities in animal health or behavior to appropriate supervisor or Director of Animal Operations.

• Feed all animals according to dietary guidelines and feeding schedule.

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in all enclosures and cages at all times.

• Monitor health of animals and report observations to medical staff.

• Medicate sick or injured animals.

• Complete facility and enclosure maintenance and landscaping as required, including repairs, mowing, weed- eating, tree trimming, etc.

• Responsible for occasional rescues, releases and transportation of animals.

• Adhere to protocols for admitting animals, filling out all paperwork completely, initial set up of animal (including hydration, feeding, and initial medical care), and working with the public who may be bringing the animal to us in a professional and diplomatic manner.

• Complete required admission forms, internal and external paperwork and phone logs in a timely manner.

• Represent WRR professionally to the public while maintaining a neat and well kempt appearance whether at the Sherman Animal Care Complex, on the phone, at events or during educational engagements.

• Day and evening phone duty as assigned

• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of WRR policies and protocols.

• Mentor volunteers & apprentices, making sure the quality of care given is up to the WRR standard of excellence. Report all concerns to appropriate SACC Manager.

• Monitor feed and supplies inventory. Report low inventory levels to appropriate SACC Manager.

• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively via oral or written means. Ability to document daily observations reports, medical logs etc.

• Composure: Ability to remain calm and maintain self-control in the midst of difficult circumstances and emergencies. Ability to respond in a professional manner in all situations and have a high level of integrity. Desired candidates are mature individuals with the ability to handle physically and emotionally stressful situations, a demanding workload, long hours, and to work independently or as a team

• Decision Making: Ability to set work priorities and to evaluate and create solutions to work related problems

• Organization: Ability to keep various on-going projects organized. Requires good time management practices and the ability to meet multiple deadlines

• Dependability: Dependable and willing to learn and do what is needed so that the animals are given the best quality of life possible, whether that is in the wild or in our sanctuary

• Technical: Working knowledge of animal husbandry and rehabilitation

• Computer: Working knowledge MS Office; Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Requirements:

• Education: A bachelor's degree is preferred in Wildlife Biology, Zoology, and/or Biology

• Experience: A Minimum of 2 years of full-time rehabilitation and animal care experience, with preference given to experience with native, Texas wildlife species

• Attendance:Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance at such level as is determined in the employer's sole discretion

• Vaccinations: Current Meningitis, Rabies Pre-exposure and Tetanus vaccinations required. Negative TB test is required.

• License: Valid Driver’s License with good driving record required. Must be able to lift 50lbs

• Technology:Proficient knowledge of MS Office, Word, Excel etc.; Strong Math skills, 10 key by touch and proofreading. In addition, the ability to conduct data entry into online databases

Compensation:

$16/hour. 15 days of annual PTO and 7 paid Holidays. Candidates selected for interviews will be requested to provide references. Position open until filled.

Persons interested in applying for this position should send a cover letter & resume (email preferred):

Email: tstables@wildlife-rescue.org

WRR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Place of work