Wildlife Rehabilitator

Description

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP), one of the largest animal welfare organizations in Pennsylvania, is seeking an experienced and energetic Part-Time Wildlife Rehabilitator to join our growing team! Our Wildlife Center maintains a permanent education ambassador collection comprised of various native Pennsylvania species. The Center operates in compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Game Commission, United States Fish and Boat Service and United Stated Federal Wildlife Service.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Uphold the mission of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh throughout all responsibilities of the position.
• Understand and support the Open Door Philosophy of the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh.
• Maintain positive relationships with co-workers, managers, directors, volunteers, interns, and presenters.
• Oversee daily volunteer activities and upholds all policies and procedures in accordance with the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Oversee daily intern activities and upholds all policies and procedures in accordance with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager.
• Assist the Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager with mid-term evaluations of rehabilitation intern.
• Train, supervise, and oversee daily animal care, quality care, and community service volunteer actions and upholds all policies and procedures in accordance with the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Contributes articles and photographs for the weekly social media posts.
• Assist with animal care health records and documentation of daily animal care, coordinate veterinary and diagnostic procedures.
• Provide support for the various fundraisers and events when requested.
• Assist in creation of a collection of photographs of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds for classes, workshops and educational/promotional materials.

ANIMAL CARE ACCOUNTABLITIES:

• Responsible for in-take, triage and examination of incoming patients.
• Prescribing effective treatment plan and ability to administer medications with working with licensed veterinarian for a variety of native PA species.
• Understand, apply and educate others on natural history, life stages, diet, daily care and housing requirements for all patients and education ambassadors.
• Work with rehabilitation, animal care staff, and volunteers to provide daily cleaning, care, and treatments of animals.
• Oversee and move animals through the rehabilitation process in a timely manner and ensure that animal care needs are being met.
• Work with rehabilitation staff to determine final disposition of wild patients.
• Determine when humane euthanasia is required based on medical evaluation and release criteria.
• Releasing approved patients in a timely manner via acceptable release sites.
• Ensure that animals are being handled in a manner that maximizes human and animal safety and that staff are trained and following safety procedures.
• Medical maintenance and upkeep of Educational Ambassadors.
• Ensure that protocols for infection control are being followed by rehabilitation and animal care staff.
• In conjunction with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager, develop and improve rehabilitation protocols for birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
• On a regular basis and in conjunction with the Wildlife Center Clinic Manager, reevaluate protocols and give input on accepted procedures.
• Remain current on rehabilitation methods and captive care of wildlife through literature review, attending courses and conferences as the budget allows, collaborating on and presenting papers for publication, and networking with the rehabilitation community.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in clinic, kitchen and animal housing areas.
• Daily and seasonal maintenance of cages, grounds, perches, etc.
• Recognize and correct any maintenance or safety hazards when possible.
• Report other problems to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one (1) year of previous professional animal care experience required, wildlife rehabilitation hospital experience preferred.
• Veterinary technician certification or bachelors degree required (animal-related field preferred).
• Capable of handling physically, mentally and emotionally stressful situations.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule which will include days, evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime in all weather conditions.
• Ability to frequently move, bend, handle/restrain large animals, and lift up to 50-pounds.
• Possess strong work ethic and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Previous training experience of volunteers and interns a plus.