Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician (Kapa‘au Facility)
Full-time, Salary
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician (WRT) is under the direct management of the Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation and Veterinary Medicine (DWRVM) and carries out wildlife operations when the DWRVM or Wildlife Rehabilitator (WR) are off-site.
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician helps to ensure that the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center’s high standards for animal welfare are met through appropriate wildlife care practices, husbandry, and daily hospital maintenance tasks. The WRT also contributes to and sometimes leads projects that further HWC’s mission.
Must have a strong interest in learning about the natural history and conservation issues of native and migratory Hawaiian birds and the Hawaiian Hoary Bat, Hawai‘i’s only native terrestrial mammal. Experience in seabird and raptor rehabilitation preferred, but training will be provided.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Understand and comply with the Hawai‘i Wildlife Center’s policies, code of ethics, philosophies, and protocols
- Assist the DWRVM or WR with wildlife in care from admission to release, including handling and restraint, intake exams, triage, critical care, provision of medical and nutritional treatment and support, charting progress and moving patients through the rehabilitation process in a timely manner
- Perform routine diagnostics and assist with necropsies
- Correctly identify avian species, learn natural history and developmental stages, diet and housing for appropriate care
- Assist in the research and acquisition of supplies for wildlife operations
- Maintain inventory of wildlife diets and care supplies
- Assist in the DWRVM or WR with research and updates to wildlife treatment and captive care protocols and procedures.
- Assist in the training and maintenance of any permanent resident animals
- Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary environment in all wildlife areas through routine daily cleaning and disinfection of aviaries, pools, cages, enclosures, rooms, and routine predator and pest control
- Maintain mealworm/bug colonies and any other live animals (rats, mice, birds, etc.) that may be used for live feeding.
- Manage upkeep and improvements to recovery enclosures and pools, including cleaning substrate, building perches, and providing enrichment
- Provide assistance and education to the public over the phone and in person, promoting a positive public image both on-site and off-site, including at outreach programs and career fairs.
- Bird rescue, supply pickup, and other tasks that will require driving. HWC has a rescue vehicle that may be used for work purposes.
- Coordinate with volunteers and rescue partners for rescues and transfers on other islands and arrange transportation to HWC
- Coordinate and train volunteers in wildlife operations areas and assist the DWRVM or WR with training interns
- Collaborate with partners on Hawaiʻi conservation and rehabilitation projects as needed
- Other duties as required or assigned
Qualifications required:
- Must have a minimum of 1 year of experience with the daily routine of working with a variety of avian species in a rehabilitation setting
- Must have a degree in biology or related field from an accredited university or relevant work experience in animal or wildlife care
- Must be able to work weekend days and be flexible to change of schedule based on caseload and staffing needs
- Ability to maintain accurate and complete medical records and database entry
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with coworkers, interns, volunteers, and the public
- Knowledge of island ecosystems and Hawaiian culture preferred
- Knowledgeable of housing requirements for avian and bat species or willing to learn. Comfortable providing maintenance for such housing and using hand and power tools upon starting the position, or once taught by HWC staff.
- Must have a positive “Can do” attitude, be able to handle stressful situations calmly, demonstrate professionalism, exhibit a strong work ethic and be able to handle physically rigorous work as well as tedious routine work.
- Ability to take direction and carry out assignments in a timely manner, whether working independently or as a team
- Must have initiative and motivation to identify projects, take charge of daily tasks and learn specific medical and rehabilitative care of various avian species
- Willing to make a commitment to the organization’s mission, vision and values as well as to the native wildlife of Hawaiʻi
- Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds
- Legally entitled to work in the United States
- Have or be able to obtain a valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license with no record of major or repeated minor traffic offenses.
SALARY RANGE: $36,000 to $37,500 plus benefits and commensurate with experience.
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription start after 1-month of employment; and 10-vacation days annually after passing 6-months probationary period; 401k retirement plan.
Application Process: PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS PRECISELY. email cover letter, resume, and three references in one document and titled with your last name to info@hawaiiwildlifecenter.org. Please put ‘Rehabilitation Technician Position’ in the subject line.
Date Posted: February 8, 2023
Date Needed: March 6, 2023
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. No phone calls please.
