Overview

We are currently looking for someone to join our team as a full-time wildlife rehabilitation technician (“rehab tech”) at our Fairfield wildlife center. Rehab techs are responsible for the husbandry and medical care of patients, supporting emergency response, as well as public outreach and education regarding wildlife issues. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required for training/managing volunteers and for interacting with coworkers, veterinarians, and other local rehabilitation centers.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with and administer medical treatments under the direct supervision of the manager and veterinarian (including radiographs, anesthesia, and humane euthanasia in accordance with Bird Rescue policies and local and federal laws).
• Maintain complete and accurate animal care records.
• Determine and provide appropriate triage/emergency care, housing/enclosures, and nutrition.
• Clean and disinfect all areas to maintain a safe and sanitary environment throughout the hospital and facility.
• Inventory and maintain clinic/medical supplies.
• Provide oversight, direction, and training of volunteers.
• Perform other duties, as assigned, to ensure a positive public image, enhance the operation of the organization, support special events, and improve the quality of life for the animals.
• Respond to inquiries from members of the public and other local rehabilitation centers.

Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write, and comprehend detailed animal care protocols.
• Ability to understand basic medical terminology, avian physiology, and anatomy.
• Have excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work.
• Basic skills with Microsoft Office and data entry.
• Excellent basic mathematical skills and the ability to accurately work with units of weight, volume, and concentration.
• Capacity and interest to continuously work on improving animal care skills and developing emergency response capacities.
• This position requires a background check.
• Past work in a wildlife rehabilitation clinic.
• Experience capturing, handling, and restraining wild animals, preferably birds.
• Familiarity with the Incident Command System and Oiled Wildlife Care Network protocols.
• Registered veterinary technician (RVT) certified by the California Veterinary Medical Board.
• B.S. in Biology, Wildlife Management, or similar

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, speak, and listen for long periods of time (hours).
• Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and ability to use hands/arms to palpate, handle, feel, reach, and lift/move up to 40lbs.
• Must be able to palpate and auscultate during animal exams.
• Must be able to move about the center for hours, ascend/descend stairs, transport equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds, and position oneself into tight spaces, low areas, or on the ground to perform facility maintenance and animal care/husbandry.
• Must be able to handle and restrain various sized avian species.
• Must have good near, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as good depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Indoor and outdoor conditions include temperatures of ~30-110oF, rain, strong wind, high heat and humidity, dry air, and allergens.
• Employees are exposed to moving parts, zoonotic diseases, aggressive/feral animals, toxic/caustic chemicals, and radiography equipment.