The Oʻahu Seasonal Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician (OST) in under the direct management and assists the Oʻahu Rehabilitation Manager (ORM) in seabird response, stabilization, animal care and transport during the Oʻahu seabird fallout season and is an integral part of the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center’s Oʻahu Seabird Aid Program. Operations are island-wide and based out of the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center: Oahu Satellite located at the Honolulu Zoo as well as out of Feather and Fur Animal Hospital in Kailua during the peak of Wedgetailed Shearwater Fallout. The OST also is responsible for response, and animal care operations at the Oʻahu satellite facility when the ORM is off-site/off duty and insures continuity of care. The OST helps to ensure that the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center’s high standards for animal welfare are met through appropriate wildlife care practices, husbandry, and daily satellite clinic maintenance tasks. Applicants 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. Must be able to handle a very high pace of wildlife receiving, examinations and prompt processing of seabirds during the peak of fallout when 30-70 birds per day may be presented. The OST is a temporary (8-weeks) full time position and will be scheduled 24 to 40 hours per week depending on caseload.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Assist the ORM in daily tasks and wildlife care, including evaluation and stabilization of native Hawaiian wildlife patients, 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. Help ensure that animals are being handled in a manner that maximizes human and animal safety and that biosecurity protocols are being followed.
- When ORM is off-duty, perform routine diagnostics and daily tasks independently and Send notifications to state and federal wildlife agencies about any T&E species within 24 hours of admission or disposition
- Receive birds from the public at the Honolulu Zoo when possible
- Assist the ORM in the operations of the Manu o Kū soft release program and the Oʻahu Seabird Aid program
- Correctly identify avian species, learn natural history and developmental stages, diet and housing for appropriate care
- Work with the Hawaiʻi Island Animal Care team (Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation and Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Rehabilitator/Techs) while the ORM is off duty and coordinate stabilization, animal care, rehabilitation and response
- Assist the ORM to coordinate Oʻahu Wheels for Wildlife Volunteers and set up bird transports from the public, and to and from the airport. Coordinate with Hawaiʻi Island staff to set up commercial flights or Coast Guard AUX flights for birds when the ORM is off-duty
- Coordinate Oʻahu Wheels for Wildlife Volunteers to set up bird transports and wildlife rescues. Company vehicle is typically available during fallout season, but if personal vehicle use is required milage for transports and rescues using a personal vehicle will be reimbursed at the current IRS rate.
- Assist the ORM in mentoring and management of interns and volunteers
- Keep the ORM apprised of animal care, response, release plans and other duties
- Maintain open lines of communication with the ORM and the Hawaiʻi Island Facility
- Maintain current and accurate animal care health records and documentation of daily animal care on the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center’s WRMD database.
- Provide assistance and education to the public over the phone and in person, promoting a positive public image including at outreach programs, and at seabird releases in public areas
- Other duties related to the operation of the wildlife response, stabilization and rehabilitation facility operations as required or assigned
Qualifications:
- 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
- Completion of a reputable wildlife rehabilitation internship is preferred
- Must be able to work weekends and holidays and be flexible to schedule changes 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
- 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.
- Able to handle the rigors of seabird fallout season when up to 30-70 days may arrive in one day during the peak fallout and help process over 300-600+ birds per season.
- 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 a valid driver’s license and have no record of major or repeated minor traffic offenses.
- Must abide by the NWRA Wildlife Rehabilitators code of ethics and HWC Employment Manual at all times.
Work Period: October 16 to December 15 2023
Compensation: Hourly $17.30-$18.00/hr (commensurate with experience), eligible for overtime pay, eligible for health insurance after 4 weeks of work. Please email cover letter, resume, and three references in one document and titled with your last name to info@hawaiiwildlifecenter.org. Please put ‘Oʻahu Seasonal Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician Position’ in the subject line.
Date Needed: October 16, 2023
