Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist

Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Naples, Florida

Job TypePermanent

Salary$46,000 - $49,500 per year

DeadlineJul 11, 2025

Experience2 - 6 years

Job Overview

Assists the Rehabilitation Manager and Veterinarian in day-to-day efforts of wildlife rehabilitation at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. Performs daily treatment for wildlife patients, which includes following treatment plans and creating enclosure set-ups with the purpose of successfully releasing patients back into the wild. Performs initial patient quick-assessments on new intakes and relays relevant information to senior Rehab staff and Veterinarian.

This position will primarily focus on Wildlife Rehabilitation

Interested candidates can start at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist I or II level based on qualifications and experience.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist I: Minimum two years college or veterinary technician school with a focus in wildlife biology, related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum one year of related experience or internship.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist II: Minimum two years college or veterinary technician school with a focus in wildlife biology, related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of three years of wildlife rehabilitation experience, encompassing initial care, basic laboratory/radiology procedures, and animal care/nutrition.

Responsibilities

Wildlife Rehabilitation:

Conducts rehabilitation techniques.

Admits and evaluates patients, and collaborates with veterinarian on diagnoses and patient treatment plans.

Carries out treatment plans, provides re-checks and husbandry requirements for patients recovered from illness and injury progressing through the rehab process.

Evaluates recovery progress and provides input regarding readiness for release according to detailed criteria approved by staff vet and rehabilitation manager.

Assists in feeding or arranging for the feeding of hospital wildlife 365 days/year.

Provides behavioral enrichment program for wildlife patients.

Training and Supervision:

Supervises and trains Conservation Associates (interns) and volunteers.

Provides training regarding euthanasia protocols to new staff and Conservation Associates.

Emergency Services:

Provides on-call emergency service as scheduled.

Varied scheduled work shifts.

Performs euthanasia of wildlife, and provides input to senior staff for decision making in the vAWH.

Administrative and Organizational Support:

Assists in day-to-day operations of the hospital.

Monitors supply inventory and records items needed to ensure supply levels are properly maintained.

Adheres to protocols required to maintain DEA license.

Assists in reporting receipt of threatened species to comply with state and federal permitting requirements.

Assists with special projects and new programs, as directed by the supervisor.

Maintains wildlife patient information and records, inputting them into a computer database

Assists in the maintenance and enhancements of the physical hospital including outside enclosures.

Assists with vAWH intern program, including trainings, evaluations, supporting intern engagement, and identifying intern retention opportunities.

Communication and Public Relations:

Effectively handles telephone inquiries, people who rescue wildlife, sensitive issues, distraught people, hostile people, etc.

Occasionally develops and conducts Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital educational programs.

Skills and Abilities

Proficiency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting business periodicals, journals, technical procedures, and regulations.

Strong report writing and business correspondence skills.

Effective presentation and communication skills with diverse audiences.

Competence in applying mathematical concepts including probability, statistics, geometry, and trigonometry.

Application of mathematical concepts to practical situations, including fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.

Problem-solving skills for addressing non-standardized situations.

Interpretation of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Excellent communication skills and adept at managing multiple priorities continuously.

Education and Experience

Knowledge of wildlife ecology, biology, and wildlife rehabilitation practices, including animal care and nutrition.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds and interests.

Strong organizational and communication skills.

Experience with public speaking.

Proficiency in computer skills, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs; experience with Microsoft 365 suite preferred.

Strong commitment to the conservation of biodiversity, environmental quality, and natural resources.

The above statements describe the general qualifications required to perform the job and the general nature and level of work performed - not a complete list of duties; management may assign additional responsibilities.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

Valid driver's license and good driving record.

Rabies Pre-exposure vaccine series.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This job description recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The job entails:

Regularly required to sit, stand and walk.

Standing for extended periods while performing various tasks.

Lift/move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Exposure to Florida outdoor weather conditions, during all-weather types.

Use of hands for various tasks.

Visual abilities include close and color vision, along with peripheral and depth perception.

The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.