Wildlife Care Specialist

Wildlife Care Specialist: Part-Time (Non-Exempt)

Rate: $13.00 starting hourly to $16.00 max hourly rate

Pay Grade: [PT] | Starting salary based on prior experience and education.

Location: Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Kirtland, OH 44094

Position Description:  

Lake Metroparks is seeking a Wildlife Care Specialist to provide exceptional care for injured, orphaned, and non-releasable native wildlife at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center. Under the direction of the Wildlife Care Manager, this position is responsible for supporting all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation, including animal triage, medical treatment, medication administration, nutritional preparation, husbandry, enrichment, and pre-release conditioning. The Wildlife Care Specialist works collaboratively with staff and volunteers to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare while maintaining compliance with applicable federal and state wildlife regulations. This position requires a flexible schedule of up to 28 hours per week, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife conservation, zoology, pre-veterinary medicine, animal science, or a closely related field; or
• One (1) to two (2) years of experience working with animals in a wildlife rehabilitation facility, veterinary setting, zoological institution, or similar environment.
• Experience handling and caring for native wildlife preferred.
• Valid Ohio driver's license with an acceptable driving record and the ability to remain insurable under the Park District's liability insurance policy.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Required Training: All Park District employees shall complete and maintain all mandatory training, which may include safety, fraud, ethics, sexual harassment and additional job specific training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide daily care and rehabilitation services for injured, orphaned, and resident wildlife, including feeding, medication administration, treatment, and husbandry.
• Assess wildlife upon intake by identifying species, age, condition, and rehabilitation needs.
• Assist with animal triage, medical procedures, and ongoing treatment plans under established rehabilitation protocols.
• Prepare specialized diets and ensure appropriate nutritional care for a diverse collection of native wildlife species.
• Perform nursery care for juvenile wildlife, including feeding schedules and developmental monitoring.
• Implement enrichment activities and pre-release conditioning programs that encourage natural behaviors and successful reintroduction into the wild.
• Maintain accurate animal records, medical charts, and rehabilitation documentation in accordance with federal, state, and agency requirements.
• Assist with wildlife rescues, transport, releases, and animal transfers as necessary.
• Maintain animal enclosures, treatment areas, equipment, and supplies to ensure a safe and sanitary environment.
• Conduct research and remain informed on wildlife rehabilitation best practices and emerging animal care techniques.
• Participate in educational programs, public presentations, special events, and interpretive opportunities that support wildlife conservation and community engagement.
• Work cooperatively with staff, volunteers, veterinarians, and partner organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

☒ This position has no supervisory duties.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and duties listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

COMPUTER EXPERTISE REQUIRED / EQUIPMENT OPERATED

• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, email, internet-based systems, and electronic recordkeeping software.
• Ability to safely operate animal handling and restraint equipment, microscopes, centrifuges, oxygen and anesthesia equipment, small power tools, and Park District vehicles.
• Ability to learn and utilize wildlife rehabilitation databases and other job-related software applications.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position requires the employee to have the following observable knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or behaviors that are required to succeed in performing the essential functions.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of wildlife rehabilitation principles, animal husbandry practices, and native Ohio wildlife species.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and enrichment techniques.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local wildlife regulations and permitting requirements.

1.  
2. Skills:

• Strong animal handling and observation skills.
• Effective organizational, recordkeeping, and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.

Abilities:

• Ability to show compassion and maintain composure when working with injured and/or orphaned wildlife.
• Ability to handle live animals safely and responsibly
• Ability to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with staff and volunteers.
• Ability to interact with others with tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
• Ability to safely utilize ladders, small power tools, and motor vehicles.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear. The employee frequently uses hands to handle animals, tools, and equipment, and must reach with arms.  This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, and lifting throughout the workday. The employee must regularly use hands and arms to safely handle animals, operate equipment, prepare diets, clean enclosures, and perform treatment-related tasks. The position requires the ability to regularly lift and carry up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. Work may be performed on uneven terrain, in confined spaces, and in positions requiring physical dexterity and balance. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including animal treatment areas, rehabilitation facilities, aviaries, outdoor enclosures, and natural habitats. Employees are routinely exposed to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, rain, snow, and other environmental conditions. The position requires adherence to established safety procedures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when appropriate. Employees may be exposed to animal waste, odors, noise, and other conditions commonly associated with wildlife rehabilitation and animal care facilities.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

This position involves inherent risks associated with handling injured, sick, stressed, or wild animals, including potential exposure to bites, scratches, zoonotic diseases, allergens, and animal-related injuries. Employees may encounter biological materials, animal waste, veterinary medications, cleaning agents, disinfectants, and other chemicals commonly used in wildlife rehabilitation settings. Additional hazards may include operating vehicles, animal handling equipment, medical equipment, and working outdoors on uneven terrain and in varying weather conditions. Adherence to established safety protocols and proper use of PPE are required to minimize risk.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

The employee must demonstrate commitment and sensitivity to the needs of the Park District and its constituents and uphold the mission of Lake Metroparks.

BENEFITS

Lake Metroparks offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package for part-time employees, including:

• OPERS membership (Ohio Public Employees Retirement System)
• Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council Membership
• Agency Discounts

To Apply:

Apply online at https://www.lakemetroparks.com/about-us/job-opportunities/