Wildlife Rehabilitator

Organization: Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
Location: Mission Wild Bird & Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, Tavernier, Florida, United States
Exemption Status: Exempt

The mission of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native and migratory wild birds that have been harmed or displaced, to provide or locate a humane shelter for those birds that cannot be released, and to educate the public towards the importance of coexistence with all wild bird species.

Job Title: Wildlife Rehabilitator
Reports to: Rehabilitation Manager
Supervises: Advanced Intern and Avian Care Interns (up to four at one time)
Salary: $40,000
Anticipated Start Date: ASAP, but flexible for the right candidate.
Benefits: Temporary housing (if needed, dependent on availability), Wellness Stipend (health, medical), Paid time off (sick/personal leave)

Job Summary:
The Wildlife Rehabilitator assists the Rehabilitation Manager in all aspects of avian emergencies, critical care, and daily husbandry of all hospital patients and sanctuary residents. They coordinate the rescue, treatment, and diet plans of all hospital patients. They ensure proper diets, enrichment, general care, and medical treatment for the sanctuary’s permanent residents. They are responsible for the training and mentoring of interns and volunteers. This is a full-time, salaried position and includes some holidays, weekends, evening, and event hours.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist in ensuring compliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) permits and regulations for the rescue and rehabilitation of wild birds.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with USFWS and FWC permits and regulations for the educational display of the non-releasable birds at the sanctuary.
• Plan and administer medical treatments for each patient throughout the rehabilitation process. This includes but is not limited to: appropriate triage, emergency care, housing, and food items for all birds.
• Independently conduct basic medical procedures/treatments (i.e. radiographs, medication dosage, humane euthanasia, fracture stabilization, wound management, etc.) with regards to skill limitations.
• Train and manage interns and volunteers in bird care. Teach routine medical procedures (tube feedings, fluid therapy, wound management, medications) and basic knowledge of species in all aspects of rescue, rehab and release. Provide interns and volunteers with training materials, hands-on lessons, workshops, and safety equipment needed to complete tasks at hand.
• Be available three to four days per week to answer any after-hours bird related questions that the intern on-call may have.
• Maintain detailed records of patient files.
• Assist with surgeries performed by volunteer Veterinarian (monitor breathing, heart rate, sedation, etc.)
• Monitor sanctuary permanent residents. Manage their enrichment schedule and perform health checks as needed. Maintain detailed records of permanent resident files.
• Give updates on patients via email to individuals who request them. Educate the public and answer questions relating to wildlife rehabilitation and wildlife emergencies.
• Assist the Outreach Coordinator with the development of glove-bird programs.
• Assist with coordinating cremation or donation of all deceased birds, including necessary information/labeling for research.
• Assist in maintaining inventory of all medical/clinical supplies and food supplies for the hospital and sanctuary. Also ensure both locations are organized and sanitary for staff and bird health.
• Assist the Rehabilitation Manager with the internship program, including interviewing, hiring, and day-to-day management.
• Be available to respond to any after-hour or day-off emergencies as needed. (i.e. caging emergencies/issues, storm preparations, etc.)
• Network with other rehabilitation centers to ensure best possible care; attend national rehabilitation conferences and training to be able to perform the highest standards of rehab and management.
• Professionally communicate with the public in regard to patient intake, patient care, and any questions related to the facilities that they have.
• Participate in the development of FKWBC’s FOOTPRINTS newsletter and monthly e-blasts by providing content and photos.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Rehabilitation Manager.

Candidate Requirements:

• Must possess or be able to acquire within a timely manner a Florida State Wildlife Rehabilitator’s license.
• Must be familiar with USFWS standards and regulations.
• Must have at least two years of experience in rehabilitation, with special consideration given to avian rehabilitation.
• Experience working with glove-trained avian species is preferred.

Qualifications:

• Thrive in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment.
• Experience capturing, handling, and restraining wild birds.
• Knowledge of rehab techniques, protocols, and medical records in a hospital setting.
• Understand basic medical terminology, avian physiology and anatomy.
• Effectively communicate information on an individual basis and in group situations; strong interpersonal skills for interactions with employees, volunteers, and the public.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn natural history of native birds (appropriate diets/nutrition, behaviors, habitats).
• Great time-management skills with the ability to plan, organize, and multitask.
• Self-motivated, confident and disciplined with excellent work ethic.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

TO APPLY: Submit a resume, cover letter, and the contact information for three professional references to admin@keepthemflying.org with the e-mail subject line of:

‘Your First and Last Name – Wildlife Rehabilitator Application’.

Only applicants that follow these instructions will be considered for interviews. Position will remain open until the right candidate is found.