Wildlife Care Assistant Manager

Wildlife Care Assistant Manager – Full-Time (Exempt)

Rate: Pay Grade: E – $22.0870 hour/$45,941 annual to $34.7084 hour/$72,194 annual – minimum starting salary based on prior experience and education

Location: Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Kirtland, OH 44094

Position Description: 

Under the direction of the Wildlife Care Manager, the Wildlife Care Assistant Manager assists with the operations of the Wildlife Center to assure its mission as a full service, state of the art rehabilitation and education program center.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assists with the development, implementation, scheduling and evaluation of first aid and rehabilitation services; evaluates and schedules wildlife releases. 
• Develops species protocols for all animals presented; determines rehabilitation treatment plan; nutritional aspects, (nursing/weaning schedules), surgeries, medications, triage, pre-release conditioning, housing and release.
• Assists with staff and volunteer management.
• Assures that animals are being handled in a manner which maximizes human and animal safety; assures adherence to protocols for infection control, disease prevention, cleanliness.
• Makes accurate euthanasia decisions; performs euthanasia and assures proper use of Schedule II Controlled drugs.
• Assures compliance with all state and federal regulations related to wildlife housing and care. Maintains accurate animal records; compiles statistics and prepares monthly and annual records/reports and for State and Federal permits.
• Researches current rehabilitation methods, maintains updated knowledge of professional trends, networks with the professional rehabilitation community.
• Maintains inventory and oversees purchase of medical supplies.
• Assists with educational programs and special events as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, pre-vet, biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred. 
• 3-5 years of wildlife care experience required.
• 1-2 years of supervisory experience preferred.

Position Requirements: 

• Completion of introductory course to Wildlife Rehabilitation through OWRA or NWRA required.
• Knowledge of native Ohio wildlife, including endangered species and wildlife management issues. 
• Knowledge of wildlife medicine and wildlife rehabilitation
• Knowledge of wildlife laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of wildlife disease and zoonotics.
• Excellent presentation and verbal & written communication skills.
• Demonstrated research skills.
• Must be comfortable speaking in public in front of small and large groups.
• Must be self-motivated, self-directed, flexible, creative, able to perform with poise under pressure and to deliver strong and measurable results. 
• Must possess strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to manage all types of employees. 
• Ability to perform lab work, conduct physical exams, take blood, give subcutaneous fluids and initiate treatment.
• Ability to be creative, flexible, well organized, energetic, and to relate to the public.
• 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 handle multiple tasks, pay close attention to detail, while working in a fast-paced environment.
• 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 work independently with little supervision.
• Proficiency in computer software programs including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• May be occasionally required to work flexible hours, weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Must possess a valid drivers’ license and insurable on the Agency’s liability policy. Pre-employment drug screening and background check required.
• Rabies vaccines are a required part of the position and is paid for by Lake Metroparks.

Benefits: 

Lake Metroparks offers a generous comprehensive health insurance package to all full-time employees. Other benefits include OPERS membership, employer paid life insurance, and paid leave policies including vacation, personal, sick and holiday. Optional benefits include additional life insurance, short-term disability, and a deferred compensation plan.

Employees additionally receive Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council membership, agency-wide discounts, and tuition reimbursement.