RESOURCES: Jobs & Internships

Position Description:

Assist staff and volunteers with all aspects of animal care including, but not limited to:

• Daily husbandry-related activities including medical treatments, cleaning, diet preparation and feeding in the Intensive Care Unit and the Baby Care Unit
• Assist with intake procedures of new patients
• Assist in answering clinic phone
• Provide guidance to the public
• Assist in performing animal releases
• Assist in Marine Mammal Rescues
• Attend advanced wildlife and animal care classes and seminars.

This internship is unpaid.

Qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age or older. Science, medical care or natural science background required. Must be able to lift minimum of 50lbs. Work performed requires lifting, bending, stooping, pushing and other moderately strenuous activities. Must have respect for wildlife and courtesy towards the public. At the time of the interview, the applicant must demonstrate proof of a negative TB test within the past year and a current tetanus vaccination. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is preferred.

10-Week Session Dates:

• Session 1: March 1 - May 9, 2010 (min. 20 hours per week)
• Session 2: May 10 - July 18, 2010 (min. 30 hours per week)
• Session 3: June 14 - Aug. 22, 2010 (min. 30 hours per week)
• Session 4: Aug. 23 - Oct. 31, 2010 (min. 20 hours per week)

Full-time internships are also available for all Sessions.

Housing/Transportation:

Housing and transportation are the responsibility fo the intern. Very limited on-site housing is available (up to 2 individuals at a time). All individuals selected for on-site housing, regardless of Session, will be required to complete 40 hours per week. Must have own transportation and current drivers license.

How to apply:

Please submit a resume, letter of intent and two (2) letters of recommendation. Your letter of intent must state the Session you are applying for and detail interests, experience, housing accomodation and availability. A telephone interview will be scheduled after your application has been received. If you have any questions or would like to visit the hospital, please email me and we can schedule a short in-person interview.

Contact:

Email Cynthia Reyes or phone: (818)222-2658

Marine Mammal Wildlife Intern
Wildlife Natural Care Centre, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Position Description: 

Island Wildlife is a registered not for profit organization operating under permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Air. Recipient of the Islands Trust Environmental Stewardship Award, our focus is on the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned Harbour Seals as well as avian species and terrestrial mammals. Island Wildlife also specializes in Alternative Medicine; combining homeopathy, herbal tinctures and physical therapies with conventional veterinary protocols.

This spring and summer we will be awarding 14 internships. Internships last eight weeks and run between late May to early November. In the peak of summer the hours are long. The work day begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues until well past midnight. A shift can be 10 - 12 hours per day, six days a week, with one day off. Interns will work directly under marine mammal and rehabilitation specialists and can expect to learn or improve your skills in the following: Proper restraint techniques. Stabilizing critical patients and new arrivals. Food preparation through all stages of the rehabilitation process. Gavage (tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques. Proper hygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease. Administration of oral medications. Behavioral and medical observation and proper record keeping. Fundamentals of how, why and when to administer alternative remedies such as homeopathy and Chinese herbs. Response to the rescue hotline and public interface as well as the logistics of coordinating rescues from many remote locations.

Comfortable housing with shared cooking and bathroom facilities are provided as well as a small grocery stipend, wireless internet and a shared intern vehicle.

Visit our website for more information. Deadline for applications is March 1st. Applications are accepted only through postal mail. No phone calls please. All applicants will be responded to by early March. Interns are accepted internationally and are responsible for their own transportation to and from British Columbia.

Island Wildlife, Intern Manager, 322 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K1N3 Canada

Rehabilitation Supervisor/Facilities Manager
International Bird Rescue Research Center
Fairfield, CA

Position Description: 

This position is split into two segments; up to four days a week as Rehabilitation Supervisor and at least one day per week as Facilities Manager. The Rehabilitation Supervisor position is responsible for maintaining nutritional health, hygiene, capture and husbandry of animals in the Center as well as assisting in the medical care and procedures as needed. Besides the rehabilitation of aquatic birds, this position also includes the responsibilities of volunteer training and supervision, facility cleanliness and organization, supply inventory and ordering, public interaction/education and coordination of transporting animals as needed. The responsibilities of the Facilities Manager portion of the position are to oversee all aspects of the facility technical maintenance and upkeep and maintain pools and equipment, including regularly scheduled maintenance.

This position works a schedule set by the supervisor and may encompass non-traditional days and hours, including weekends and holidays. During an oil spill response or other emergency, this position may be scheduled to work long hours or off-site.

Requirements:

• High school diploma
• Two years related experience; service may have been as a volunteer or intern
• Knowledge of various aspects of wildlife rehabilitation
• Knowledge of the natural history and environmental needs of aquatic birds, or a passion to learn about it first hand
• Knowledge of common medical procedures
• Must have access to a vehicle for animal rescue and pick-up.
• Skills in organizing resources and maintaining priorities
• Skill in database management
• Knowledge of basic plumbing, electrical, and mechanical principles
• Ability to problem-solve. Ability to perform wildlife educational programs
• Ability to work collaboratively to implement short- and long-range goals
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials
• Ability to manage and impart information to a range of clientele, staff members and/or media sources
• Ability to follow laws and regulations relating to the care and maintenance of wildlife in accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and California Department of Fish and Game

Comments:

Work is primarily in an outdoor environment under frequently adverse weather conditions with moderate exposure to physical risk. Medium to hard physical effort is required with the ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

Please email resume to Michelle Bellizzi.

Position Description:

Title: Animal Care Assistant
Needed: March – September 2010
Classification: Seasonal (Part-time March, full-time April – September)
Reports to: Director of Animal Care
Salary: Based on experience 

The Animal Care Assistant (ACA) is responsible for: ensuring quality care to the orphaned, sick and injured wildlife admitted to WCSV, ensuring that volunteers and interns working at the Center are satisfactorily trained and utilized. Assist with the placement of animals with Species Team Leaders and other rehabilitation centers as necessary. Enforce policies and decisions made by WCSV supervising staff and the Board of Directors. Assist with administrative responsibilities when necessary.

Animal Care Responsibilities:

• Oversee animals’ daily progress, including treatment, weight, and diet when animal care staff is not available.
• Oversee all animal food preparation on your shift as necessary.
• Prepare and update medication charts and dosages when appropriate. Work as a team with WCSV staff, Animal Care Supervisors, Species Team Leaders, volunteers, and interns to ensure that each animal is examined and a course of treatment is established, including proper diet, medication, or if necessary, euthanasia while keeping detailed medical records.
• Coordinate with the Director of Animal Care to accept animals from other centers when appropriate.
• Arrange prompt placement of animals into home care facilities and the transfer of WCSV animals to other centers when appropriate.
• Ensure that no animal is kept at the Center longer than necessary after it has been established that the animal is healthy and releasable.
• Serve as a replacement for WCSV staff in their absence.
• Substitute as Animal Care Supervisor or volunteer whenever there is a shortage of either.
• Keep abreast of current developments in the wildlife rehabilitation field.
  

Administrative Responsibilities:

When necessary as determined by the Director of Animal Care, or when there is down-time from animal care responsibilities:

• Provide critical support to staff and organization.
• Answer phones and interface with callers’ questions regarding the Center and other wildlife related issues.
• Customer service, intake of animals.
• Other administrative duties as requested.

Volunteer Administration and Training:

• Work with the Team Leaders, Animal Care Supervisors, volunteers and interns to ensure the highest standards of hygiene, husbandry and safety at the Center.
• Ensure that all Center animal care volunteers are welcomed and introduced to each other and the staff.
• Oversee the shifts so that all volunteers experience all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation, including time in the exam room. Ensure volunteer responsibilities are rotated so that no volunteer spends all his/her time cleaning.
• Ensure that all volunteers and interns follow the WCSV Health and Safety Procedures Manual and there is compliance with the procedures contained within.

Animal Records:

• Ensure that each animal has a record form and that it follows the animal through rehabilitation process.
• Ensure the accurate updating and completion of animal disposition records.

Additional Duties:

• Work with the Director of Animal Care to ensure that each animal receives humane rehabilitation and the best possible care.
• Assist with inventory and supplies and communicate needs to WCSV staff.
• Support the mission and goals of the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley.
• Notify the Operations Coordinator/Director of Animal Care of shifts needing additional volunteers within twenty-four hours of a vacancy or an unexcused absence.
• Ensure compliance with WCSV’s MOU and state and federal permits.
• Ensure wearing of name tags for all Center animal care volunteers.
• Take continuing education classes as they relate to job.

Requirements:

• Experience in wildlife rehabilitation or animal health-care.
• Ability to work with wildlife rehabilitators and share responsibilities of animal care as part of a team.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other Center staff and to contribute to a positive, friendly environment for the public, volunteers, interns, employees and Board of Directors.
• Ability to provide quality customer service, especially in difficult circumstances.
• Ability to maintain enthusiasm and take initiative while working under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others.
• Ability to delegate tasks and organize a crew of volunteers with differing skill levels.
• Willingness to train and educate all volunteers and interns.
• Ability to work under the regulations set forth by California Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and all other government agencies under which WCSV operates.
• Familiarity with the natural history of California wildlife.

Applicants:

Application deadline: January 29th.
Please submit a resume or CV and two references to Stephanie Ellis, Director of Animal Care.
Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, 3027 Penitencia Creek Rd., San Jose, CA 95132
Telephone: 408-929-9453; Fax: 408-928-5853

Position Description: 

Basic rehabilitation duties in the hospital includes birds and smaller mammals.

Contact Star Dewar, Administrator 707-539-8974 (home)

Position Description:

Assist staff and volunteers with all aspects of animal care including, but not limited to:

• Daily husbandry-related activities including medical treatments, cleaning, diet preparation and feeding in the Intensive Care Unit and the Baby Care Unit
• Assist with intake procedures of new patients
• Assist in answering clinic phone
• Provide guidance to the public
• Assist in performing animal releases
• Assist in Marine Mammal Rescues
• Attend advanced wildlife and animal care classes and seminars.

This internship is unpaid.

Qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age or older. Science, medical care or natural science background required. Must be able to lift minimum of 50lbs. Work performed requires lifting, bending, stooping, pushing and other moderately strenuous activities. Must have respect for wildlife and courtesy towards the public. At the time of the interview, the applicant must demonstrate proof of a negative TB test within the past year and a current tetanus vaccination. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is preferred.

10-Week Session Dates:

• Session 1: March 1 - May 9, 2010 (min. 20 hours per week)
• Session 2: May 10 - July 18, 2010 (min. 30 hours per week)
• Session 3: June 14 - Aug. 22, 2010 (min. 30 hours per week)
• Session 4: Aug. 23 - Oct. 31, 2010 (min. 20 hours per week)

Full-time internships are also available for all Sessions.

Housing/Transportation:

Housing and transportation are the responsibility fo the intern. Very limited on-site housing is available (up to 2 individuals at a time). All individuals selected for on-site housing, regardless of Session, will be required to complete 40 hours per week. Must have own transportation and current drivers license.

How to apply:

Please submit a resume, letter of intent and two (2) letters of recommendation. Your letter of intent must state the Session you are applying for and detail interests, experience, housing accomodation and availability. A telephone interview will be scheduled after your application has been received. If you have any questions or would like to visit the hospital, please email me and we can schedule a short in-person interview.

Contact:

Email Cynthia Reyes or phone: (818)222-2658

Marine Mammal Wildlife Intern
Wildlife Natural Care Centre, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Position Description: 

Island Wildlife is a registered not for profit organization operating under permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Air. Recipient of the Islands Trust Environmental Stewardship Award, our focus is on the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned Harbour Seals as well as avian species and terrestrial mammals. Island Wildlife also specializes in Alternative Medicine; combining homeopathy, herbal tinctures and physical therapies with conventional veterinary protocols.

This spring and summer we will be awarding 14 internships. Internships last eight weeks and run between late May to early November. In the peak of summer the hours are long. The work day begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues until well past midnight. A shift can be 10 - 12 hours per day, six days a week, with one day off. Interns will work directly under marine mammal and rehabilitation specialists and can expect to learn or improve your skills in the following: Proper restraint techniques. Stabilizing critical patients and new arrivals. Food preparation through all stages of the rehabilitation process. Gavage (tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques. Proper hygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease. Administration of oral medications. Behavioral and medical observation and proper record keeping. Fundamentals of how, why and when to administer alternative remedies such as homeopathy and Chinese herbs. Response to the rescue hotline and public interface as well as the logistics of coordinating rescues from many remote locations.

Comfortable housing with shared cooking and bathroom facilities are provided as well as a small grocery stipend, wireless internet and a shared intern vehicle.

Visit our website for more information. Deadline for applications is March 1st. Applications are accepted only through postal mail. No phone calls please. All applicants will be responded to by early March. Interns are accepted internationally and are responsible for their own transportation to and from British Columbia.

Island Wildlife, Intern Manager, 322 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K1N3 Canada

Rehabilitation Supervisor/Facilities Manager
International Bird Rescue Research Center
Fairfield, CA

Position Description: 

This position is split into two segments; up to four days a week as Rehabilitation Supervisor and at least one day per week as Facilities Manager. The Rehabilitation Supervisor position is responsible for maintaining nutritional health, hygiene, capture and husbandry of animals in the Center as well as assisting in the medical care and procedures as needed. Besides the rehabilitation of aquatic birds, this position also includes the responsibilities of volunteer training and supervision, facility cleanliness and organization, supply inventory and ordering, public interaction/education and coordination of transporting animals as needed. The responsibilities of the Facilities Manager portion of the position are to oversee all aspects of the facility technical maintenance and upkeep and maintain pools and equipment, including regularly scheduled maintenance.

This position works a schedule set by the supervisor and may encompass non-traditional days and hours, including weekends and holidays. During an oil spill response or other emergency, this position may be scheduled to work long hours or off-site.

Requirements:

• High school diploma
• Two years related experience; service may have been as a volunteer or intern
• Knowledge of various aspects of wildlife rehabilitation
• Knowledge of the natural history and environmental needs of aquatic birds, or a passion to learn about it first hand
• Knowledge of common medical procedures
• Must have access to a vehicle for animal rescue and pick-up.
• Skills in organizing resources and maintaining priorities
• Skill in database management
• Knowledge of basic plumbing, electrical, and mechanical principles
• Ability to problem-solve. Ability to perform wildlife educational programs
• Ability to work collaboratively to implement short- and long-range goals
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials
• Ability to manage and impart information to a range of clientele, staff members and/or media sources
• Ability to follow laws and regulations relating to the care and maintenance of wildlife in accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and California Department of Fish and Game

Comments:

Work is primarily in an outdoor environment under frequently adverse weather conditions with moderate exposure to physical risk. Medium to hard physical effort is required with the ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

Please email resume to Michelle Bellizzi.

Position Description:

Title: Animal Care Assistant
Needed: March – September 2010
Classification: Seasonal (Part-time March, full-time April – September)
Reports to: Director of Animal Care
Salary: Based on experience 

The Animal Care Assistant (ACA) is responsible for: ensuring quality care to the orphaned, sick and injured wildlife admitted to WCSV, ensuring that volunteers and interns working at the Center are satisfactorily trained and utilized. Assist with the placement of animals with Species Team Leaders and other rehabilitation centers as necessary. Enforce policies and decisions made by WCSV supervising staff and the Board of Directors. Assist with administrative responsibilities when necessary.

Animal Care Responsibilities:

• Oversee animals’ daily progress, including treatment, weight, and diet when animal care staff is not available.
• Oversee all animal food preparation on your shift as necessary.
• Prepare and update medication charts and dosages when appropriate. Work as a team with WCSV staff, Animal Care Supervisors, Species Team Leaders, volunteers, and interns to ensure that each animal is examined and a course of treatment is established, including proper diet, medication, or if necessary, euthanasia while keeping detailed medical records.
• Coordinate with the Director of Animal Care to accept animals from other centers when appropriate.
• Arrange prompt placement of animals into home care facilities and the transfer of WCSV animals to other centers when appropriate.
• Ensure that no animal is kept at the Center longer than necessary after it has been established that the animal is healthy and releasable.
• Serve as a replacement for WCSV staff in their absence.
• Substitute as Animal Care Supervisor or volunteer whenever there is a shortage of either.
• Keep abreast of current developments in the wildlife rehabilitation field.
  

Administrative Responsibilities:

When necessary as determined by the Director of Animal Care, or when there is down-time from animal care responsibilities:

• Provide critical support to staff and organization.
• Answer phones and interface with callers’ questions regarding the Center and other wildlife related issues.
• Customer service, intake of animals.
• Other administrative duties as requested.

Volunteer Administration and Training:

• Work with the Team Leaders, Animal Care Supervisors, volunteers and interns to ensure the highest standards of hygiene, husbandry and safety at the Center.
• Ensure that all Center animal care volunteers are welcomed and introduced to each other and the staff.
• Oversee the shifts so that all volunteers experience all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation, including time in the exam room. Ensure volunteer responsibilities are rotated so that no volunteer spends all his/her time cleaning.
• Ensure that all volunteers and interns follow the WCSV Health and Safety Procedures Manual and there is compliance with the procedures contained within.

Animal Records:

• Ensure that each animal has a record form and that it follows the animal through rehabilitation process.
• Ensure the accurate updating and completion of animal disposition records.

Additional Duties:

• Work with the Director of Animal Care to ensure that each animal receives humane rehabilitation and the best possible care.
• Assist with inventory and supplies and communicate needs to WCSV staff.
• Support the mission and goals of the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley.
• Notify the Operations Coordinator/Director of Animal Care of shifts needing additional volunteers within twenty-four hours of a vacancy or an unexcused absence.
• Ensure compliance with WCSV’s MOU and state and federal permits.
• Ensure wearing of name tags for all Center animal care volunteers.
• Take continuing education classes as they relate to job.

Requirements:

• Experience in wildlife rehabilitation or animal health-care.
• Ability to work with wildlife rehabilitators and share responsibilities of animal care as part of a team.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other Center staff and to contribute to a positive, friendly environment for the public, volunteers, interns, employees and Board of Directors.
• Ability to provide quality customer service, especially in difficult circumstances.
• Ability to maintain enthusiasm and take initiative while working under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others.
• Ability to delegate tasks and organize a crew of volunteers with differing skill levels.
• Willingness to train and educate all volunteers and interns.
• Ability to work under the regulations set forth by California Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and all other government agencies under which WCSV operates.
• Familiarity with the natural history of California wildlife.

Applicants:

Application deadline: January 29th.
Please submit a resume or CV and two references to Stephanie Ellis, Director of Animal Care.
Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, 3027 Penitencia Creek Rd., San Jose, CA 95132
Telephone: 408-929-9453; Fax: 408-928-5853

Position Description: 

Basic rehabilitation duties in the hospital includes birds and smaller mammals.

Contact Star Dewar, Administrator 707-539-8974 (home)

Position Description:

Assist staff and volunteers with all aspects of animal care including, but not limited to:

• Daily husbandry-related activities including medical treatments, cleaning, diet preparation and feeding in the Intensive Care Unit and the Baby Care Unit
• Assist with intake procedures of new patients
• Assist in answering clinic phone
• Provide guidance to the public
• Assist in performing animal releases
• Assist in Marine Mammal Rescues
• Attend advanced wildlife and animal care classes and seminars.

This internship is unpaid.

Qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age or older. Science, medical care or natural science background required. Must be able to lift minimum of 50lbs. Work performed requires lifting, bending, stooping, pushing and other moderately strenuous activities. Must have respect for wildlife and courtesy towards the public. At the time of the interview, the applicant must demonstrate proof of a negative TB test within the past year and a current tetanus vaccination. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is preferred.

10-Week Session Dates:

• Session 1: March 1 - May 9, 2010 (min. 20 hours per week)
• Session 2: May 10 - July 18, 2010 (min. 30 hours per week)
• Session 3: June 14 - Aug. 22, 2010 (min. 30 hours per week)
• Session 4: Aug. 23 - Oct. 31, 2010 (min. 20 hours per week)

Full-time internships are also available for all Sessions.

Housing/Transportation:

Housing and transportation are the responsibility fo the intern. Very limited on-site housing is available (up to 2 individuals at a time). All individuals selected for on-site housing, regardless of Session, will be required to complete 40 hours per week. Must have own transportation and current drivers license.

How to apply:

Please submit a resume, letter of intent and two (2) letters of recommendation. Your letter of intent must state the Session you are applying for and detail interests, experience, housing accomodation and availability. A telephone interview will be scheduled after your application has been received. If you have any questions or would like to visit the hospital, please email me and we can schedule a short in-person interview.

Contact:

Email Cynthia Reyes or phone: (818)222-2658

Marine Mammal Wildlife Intern
Wildlife Natural Care Centre, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Position Description: 

Island Wildlife is a registered not for profit organization operating under permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Air. Recipient of the Islands Trust Environmental Stewardship Award, our focus is on the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned Harbour Seals as well as avian species and terrestrial mammals. Island Wildlife also specializes in Alternative Medicine; combining homeopathy, herbal tinctures and physical therapies with conventional veterinary protocols.

This spring and summer we will be awarding 14 internships. Internships last eight weeks and run between late May to early November. In the peak of summer the hours are long. The work day begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues until well past midnight. A shift can be 10 - 12 hours per day, six days a week, with one day off. Interns will work directly under marine mammal and rehabilitation specialists and can expect to learn or improve your skills in the following: Proper restraint techniques. Stabilizing critical patients and new arrivals. Food preparation through all stages of the rehabilitation process. Gavage (tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques. Proper hygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease. Administration of oral medications. Behavioral and medical observation and proper record keeping. Fundamentals of how, why and when to administer alternative remedies such as homeopathy and Chinese herbs. Response to the rescue hotline and public interface as well as the logistics of coordinating rescues from many remote locations.

Comfortable housing with shared cooking and bathroom facilities are provided as well as a small grocery stipend, wireless internet and a shared intern vehicle.

Visit our website for more information. Deadline for applications is March 1st. Applications are accepted only through postal mail. No phone calls please. All applicants will be responded to by early March. Interns are accepted internationally and are responsible for their own transportation to and from British Columbia.

Island Wildlife, Intern Manager, 322 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K1N3 Canada

Rehabilitation Supervisor/Facilities Manager
International Bird Rescue Research Center
Fairfield, CA

Position Description: 

This position is split into two segments; up to four days a week as Rehabilitation Supervisor and at least one day per week as Facilities Manager. The Rehabilitation Supervisor position is responsible for maintaining nutritional health, hygiene, capture and husbandry of animals in the Center as well as assisting in the medical care and procedures as needed. Besides the rehabilitation of aquatic birds, this position also includes the responsibilities of volunteer training and supervision, facility cleanliness and organization, supply inventory and ordering, public interaction/education and coordination of transporting animals as needed. The responsibilities of the Facilities Manager portion of the position are to oversee all aspects of the facility technical maintenance and upkeep and maintain pools and equipment, including regularly scheduled maintenance.

This position works a schedule set by the supervisor and may encompass non-traditional days and hours, including weekends and holidays. During an oil spill response or other emergency, this position may be scheduled to work long hours or off-site.

Requirements:

• High school diploma
• Two years related experience; service may have been as a volunteer or intern
• Knowledge of various aspects of wildlife rehabilitation
• Knowledge of the natural history and environmental needs of aquatic birds, or a passion to learn about it first hand
• Knowledge of common medical procedures
• Must have access to a vehicle for animal rescue and pick-up.
• Skills in organizing resources and maintaining priorities
• Skill in database management
• Knowledge of basic plumbing, electrical, and mechanical principles
• Ability to problem-solve. Ability to perform wildlife educational programs
• Ability to work collaboratively to implement short- and long-range goals
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials
• Ability to manage and impart information to a range of clientele, staff members and/or media sources
• Ability to follow laws and regulations relating to the care and maintenance of wildlife in accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and California Department of Fish and Game

Comments:

Work is primarily in an outdoor environment under frequently adverse weather conditions with moderate exposure to physical risk. Medium to hard physical effort is required with the ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

Please email resume to Michelle Bellizzi.

Position Description:

Title: Animal Care Assistant
Needed: March – September 2010
Classification: Seasonal (Part-time March, full-time April – September)
Reports to: Director of Animal Care
Salary: Based on experience 

The Animal Care Assistant (ACA) is responsible for: ensuring quality care to the orphaned, sick and injured wildlife admitted to WCSV, ensuring that volunteers and interns working at the Center are satisfactorily trained and utilized. Assist with the placement of animals with Species Team Leaders and other rehabilitation centers as necessary. Enforce policies and decisions made by WCSV supervising staff and the Board of Directors. Assist with administrative responsibilities when necessary.

Animal Care Responsibilities:

• Oversee animals’ daily progress, including treatment, weight, and diet when animal care staff is not available.
• Oversee all animal food preparation on your shift as necessary.
• Prepare and update medication charts and dosages when appropriate. Work as a team with WCSV staff, Animal Care Supervisors, Species Team Leaders, volunteers, and interns to ensure that each animal is examined and a course of treatment is established, including proper diet, medication, or if necessary, euthanasia while keeping detailed medical records.
• Coordinate with the Director of Animal Care to accept animals from other centers when appropriate.
• Arrange prompt placement of animals into home care facilities and the transfer of WCSV animals to other centers when appropriate.
• Ensure that no animal is kept at the Center longer than necessary after it has been established that the animal is healthy and releasable.
• Serve as a replacement for WCSV staff in their absence.
• Substitute as Animal Care Supervisor or volunteer whenever there is a shortage of either.
• Keep abreast of current developments in the wildlife rehabilitation field.
  

Administrative Responsibilities:

When necessary as determined by the Director of Animal Care, or when there is down-time from animal care responsibilities:

• Provide critical support to staff and organization.
• Answer phones and interface with callers’ questions regarding the Center and other wildlife related issues.
• Customer service, intake of animals.
• Other administrative duties as requested.

Volunteer Administration and Training:

• Work with the Team Leaders, Animal Care Supervisors, volunteers and interns to ensure the highest standards of hygiene, husbandry and safety at the Center.
• Ensure that all Center animal care volunteers are welcomed and introduced to each other and the staff.
• Oversee the shifts so that all volunteers experience all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation, including time in the exam room. Ensure volunteer responsibilities are rotated so that no volunteer spends all his/her time cleaning.
• Ensure that all volunteers and interns follow the WCSV Health and Safety Procedures Manual and there is compliance with the procedures contained within.

Animal Records:

• Ensure that each animal has a record form and that it follows the animal through rehabilitation process.
• Ensure the accurate updating and completion of animal disposition records.

Additional Duties:

• Work with the Director of Animal Care to ensure that each animal receives humane rehabilitation and the best possible care.
• Assist with inventory and supplies and communicate needs to WCSV staff.
• Support the mission and goals of the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley.
• Notify the Operations Coordinator/Director of Animal Care of shifts needing additional volunteers within twenty-four hours of a vacancy or an unexcused absence.
• Ensure compliance with WCSV’s MOU and state and federal permits.
• Ensure wearing of name tags for all Center animal care volunteers.
• Take continuing education classes as they relate to job.

Requirements:

• Experience in wildlife rehabilitation or animal health-care.
• Ability to work with wildlife rehabilitators and share responsibilities of animal care as part of a team.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other Center staff and to contribute to a positive, friendly environment for the public, volunteers, interns, employees and Board of Directors.
• Ability to provide quality customer service, especially in difficult circumstances.
• Ability to maintain enthusiasm and take initiative while working under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others.
• Ability to delegate tasks and organize a crew of volunteers with differing skill levels.
• Willingness to train and educate all volunteers and interns.
• Ability to work under the regulations set forth by California Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and all other government agencies under which WCSV operates.
• Familiarity with the natural history of California wildlife.

Applicants:

Application deadline: January 29th.
Please submit a resume or CV and two references to Stephanie Ellis, Director of Animal Care.
Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, 3027 Penitencia Creek Rd., San Jose, CA 95132
Telephone: 408-929-9453; Fax: 408-928-5853

Position Description: 

Basic rehabilitation duties in the hospital includes birds and smaller mammals.

Contact Star Dewar, Administrator 707-539-8974 (home)