Job Information
Lake Metroparks Wildlife Care Specialist in Kirtland, Ohio
*Rate: *$12.00/hr. -- minimum starting rate based on prior experience and education
Location: Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Kirtland, OH 44094
*Position Description: *
Under the supervision of the Wildlife Care Manager, the Wildlife Care Specialist provides animal care for injured and/or orphaned native wildlife, which encompasses the following: triage, medical care, administrating medications, nutritional needs, nursery, husbandry, enrichment, pre-release conditioning, some rescue and release, ensuring needs are being met through the rehabilitation process, rehabilitation research, ensure that animals are being handled in a manner which maximizes human and animal safety. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Performs daily care tasks including: triages and medical care, administers medications for rehab and resident animals, identifies native species and ages correctly, performs husbandry of rehab and resident animals, perfoms nursery care, completes diet preparation and nutritional needs for over 200 native species, assists with enrichment and minimal animal training, handles cage maintenance, and ensures animal handling is being conducted in a safe manner for humans and the animals.
- Maintains records and fills out medical charts.
- Rescues and releases of rehabilitation animals.
- Cleans & inventories assigned areas.
- Conducts species research.
- Ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations in housing and care, maintains accurate animal records and compiles statistics
- Trains and supervises volunteers and interns.
- Presents on animal education topics, conducts table and keeper chats at special events and interpretive programs relating to wildlife and wildlife conservation issues.
- Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
*Minimum Qualifications: *
- Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife conservation, zoology, pre-vet, or related field or 1-2 years of experience working with animals in a wildlife rehabilitation facility or related facility required.
*Position Requirements: *
Basic knowledge of native wildlife and species identification.
Basic knowledge of animal enrichment and training.
Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology of native wildlife.
Basic knowledge of animal handling preferred.
Knowledge of safely operating an oxygen tank, microscope, centrifuge and anesthesia machine.
Leadership skills to train and guide interns and volunteers
Skilled in safe animal handling and recognizing potential threats and hazards.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Ability to stimulate interest and excitement about program subject and the park district in visitors and other staff.
Ability to interact with others with tact and courtesy and maintain integrity and appropriate behavior in dealing with conflicts and challenges with the public, co-workers, and managers.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to work in a team setting to accomplish park-related goals.
Ability to handle multiple tasks in a high paced environment.
Ability to act decisively regarding constantly changing animal cases and situations for which there may be no existing protocol.
Ability to safely utilize ladders, small power tools, and motor vehicles.
Ability to show compassion towards animals in a rehab setting that are injured and/or orphaned.
Proficiency in computer software programs including Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Variable work schedule up to 28 hours per week.
May b