Seasonal Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistant-Full Time

Summary: The Seasonal Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistant is responsible for helping to: enforce hospital and Pre-Release Facility (PRF) protocols; assist the daily care of wildlife patients; maintain cleanliness; assist hospital staff with patient care; ensure customer service; and assist volunteers. The position reports directly to the Hospital Manager and assists the rehabilitation team in daily activities within the hospital and PRF facilities.

Major Functions and Responsibilities

Animal Care

• Provides daily care to animals at the hospital and Pre-Release Facility; monitors for signs of injury or illness
• Follows care manuals for daily diet preparation, presentation and setting up animal enclosures
• Ensures hospital and PRF cleanliness & safety; minimizes risk to staff, volunteers and animals
• Assists veterinary technicians by continually monitoring patients and following patient care protocols. Follows patient care protocols for treating and continually monitoring patients
• Cleans enclosures, carriers and laundering according to disinfection protocols
• Follows hospital and PRF policies and procedures, in compliance with local, state and federal regulations, to set a good example for interns and volunteers

Customer Service

• Provide friendly, compassionate counsel to people presenting injured/young animals for care and professional support across departments
• Actively ask presenters in person by for financial donations
• Processes cash, check and credit card payments and/or donations.
• Maintains positive attitude and professional public image at all times
• Answers reception and office phones, manages customer traffic & offers general administrative support
• Assists customers when documenting and admitting wildlife patients with empathy and compassion, not judgment, and partners with them to find the best solution for their situation.

Safety and Operations

• Works closely with Facilities department to ensure safety and maintenance of PRF structures/caging and participates in upkeep of minor structural repairs and improvements
• Maintains constant focus on safe workplace practices
• Minimizes risk to staff, volunteers and animals
• Coordinates kitchen/ food delivery and preparation & storage procedures

• Ensures hospital and PRF cleanliness & safety includes but not limited to shared space with ACU; laundry room, reception area and office space;

• Understands and ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations

Other Duties

• Upholds policies and procedures of Ohio Wildlife Center animal care and humane treatment
• Confirms tools and equipment are in working order; alerts team members for needed repairs
• Works closely with Facilities department to ensure safety and maintenance of hospital and PRF structures/caging
• Regularly recognizes and thanks volunteers to encourage continued involvement
• Creates and maintains a positive working environment
• Maintains constant focus on safe workplace practices

• Understands and ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations
• Actively participates in organizational and departmental fundraising efforts
• Personally commits to Ohio Wildlife Center’s Core Values and organizational policies and procedures
• Assists other team members carry out organizational tasks when necessary
• Attends required team and organizational meetings
• Possesses general knowledge of all services and programs; markets to the public
• Works evenings and weekends as required, willingness for occasional travel is necessary
• Performs additional duties as assigned

Necessary Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor or Associate degree in related field (e.g., wildlife management, zoology, biology) or equivalent experience desired but not required
• Minimum six months of animal care and husbandry experience
• General knowledge of native Ohio wildlife biology
• Additional experience with wildlife or exotics helpful, six months preferred

Required Abilities and Skills

• Understanding of and commitment to the role and mission of Ohio Wildlife Center
• Physically fit; able to lift 50 pounds and no aversion to inclement weather
• Clean background check, valid Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license and good driving record

• Well versed on laws of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio Division of Wildlife, and animal regulations of local municipalities
• Maintain professional appearance (includes wearing appropriate, well-kept uniform)
• Maintain open lines of communication between hospital and PRF staff and volunteers to function as a team
• Positively promote Ohio Wildlife Center’s programs and services
• Maintain positive attitude and public image at all times

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The following physical requirements must be met by a candidate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee is regularly required to use steps; stand on feet for up to four hours at a time; balance, stoop and kneel; lift and/or move 25 pounds and sit at a desk while using a keyboard. Position also requires employee to see, read, talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Frequent exposure to animal dander, fur, feathers and debris. The employee is also frequently required to walk and reach with arms and hands. The employee is occasionally required to climb and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, drive their own car between facilities and work outdoors in inclement weather. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.