Baby Bird Program Technician

Pacific Wildlife Care (PWC) in Morro Bay, CA is seeking a wildlife rehabilitator with experience raising baby songbirds. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, enthusiasm for working with volunteers and an interest in engaging the public about living in peaceful co-existence with wildlife.

Pacific Wildlife Care is the only facility in San Luis Obispo County permitted to provide medical treatment and rehabilitation services to native wildlife and is a member of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network. PWC treats 2,500 - 3,000 injured and orphaned wildlife patients and responds to 10,000 to 15,000 wildlife-related phone calls annually.

Pacific Wildlife Care offers an open and inviting work environment where passion for native wildlife and connecting people with nature is shared by all. Under the direction of the Director of Animal Care (wildlife veterinarian) and the Center Director, this position is supported by a team of five other Rehabilitation Technicians, interns and 40 – 60 volunteers.

Purpose:

The Baby Bird Program Technician is responsible for overseeing daily operations in PWC's baby bird program. This position implements established protocols to provide the highest possible standard of ongoing care for wildlife patients.

Compensation:

This is a part-time (24 hrs/week), seasonal (April-September) position. This is an hourly, non-exempt position at $17.00/hour.

Pacific Wildlife Care does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, national origin, political affiliation or mental or physical handicap. Position is open until filled.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities inclusive, but not limited to:

• Implement directives of the Director of Animal Care and Center Director for all daily operations in the Baby Bird Program (BBP)

• Act as responsible party providing supervision to volunteers working in nursery for wild birds, opening or closing nursery as needed
• Supervise volunteers and ensure tasks are completed correctly, provide guidance and training as needed, enlist volunteer mentors to assist in training, where appropriate
• Provide continuity of care for all animals in the BBP, delegating tasks to volunteers or performing said tasks in order to ensure all animals receive the best achievable care
• Recognize nursery tasks that need doing and see that they are accomplished in a timely manner, using best judgment in assigning each a relative priority
• Ensure medications are given in a timely manner and are not discontinued prematurely
• Work with clinic staff to fit new animals into smooth operation of nursery
• Recognize problems with particular animals and work with clinic staff to resolve animal health issues
• Identify birds ready to be advanced to the next stage of treatment as they grow up, and alter housing or instructions accordingly in consultation with Center Director
• Communicate with volunteers about any animals requiring special attention or techniques
• Recognize problems with any aspect of nursery operations and bring to the attention of Center Director
• Ensure correct medical chart stays with each patient
• Maintain a clean and orderly nursery environment
• Ensure food prep area is kept in a sanitary manner and animal dishes are properly cleaned and disinfected, and that volunteers are following proper procedures
• Recognize supplies that are running low and notify Center Director
• Assist in clinic operations outside of BBP on an as-needed basis
• Work cooperatively with other Center staff and contribute to a positive, friendly environment for the public, volunteers, interns, employees and Board of Directors
• Maintain a safe, professional working environment at all times
• Perform other duties as directed by the Director of Animal Care and Center Director to ensure a positive public image, enhance the operation of the organization and improve the quality of life for animals
• Comply with all permit conditions of California Department of Fish and Wildlife and US Fish & Wildlife Service
• Ability to fulfill annual continuing education requirements and stay current in the field of Wildlife Rehabilitation

Requirements

• Experience at a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility
• Familiarity with the care and rehabilitation requirements of young songbirds
• Ability to multitask and prioritize animal care tasks
• Ability to delegate appropriately according to skills and abilities of staff and volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers and the public and work as part of a team
• Ability to maintain enthusiasm and a professional demeanor while working under pressure
• Occasional work outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather. This is a physical job. Must have willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety procedures
• Current California driver’s license