Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician (Kapa‘au Facility)

Full-time, Salary

The Hawaii Wildlife Center is looking for 2 Wildlife Rehabilitation Technicians (WRT) to assist in the care of native Hawaiian birds. The WRT carries out the animal care, rehabilitation, and cleaning of the rehabilitation facility under the direction of the Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation and Veterinary Medicine (DWRVM/Veterinarian).

The WRT helps to ensure that the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center’s high standards for animal welfare are met through appropriate wildlife care practices, husbandry, and daily hospital maintenance tasks. The WRT also contributes to and sometimes leads projects that further HWC’s mission.

Must have a strong interest in learning about the natural history and conservation issues of native and migratory Hawaiian birds and the Hawaiian Hoary Bat, Hawai‘i’s only native terrestrial mammal. Experience in seabird and raptor rehabilitation preferred, but training will be provided.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Examine and admit wildlife under the direction of the Veterinarian and triage and stabilize patients per standard protocols
• Safely handle and restrain patients, provide critical care, provide medical and nutritional treatment and support, and write medical records per the direction of the Veterinarian
• Perform routine diagnostics (PCV/TP, fecals) and assist with necropsies
• Assist with anesthesia
• Correctly identify avian species, learn natural history, diet and housing for appropriate care
• Communicate with the Veterinarian about patient status and any changes noticed during daily care
• Perform procedures such as bandaging and splinting per the direction of the Veterinarian
• Maintain clean and sanitary facilities, surgical instruments, feeding utensils and transport kennels
• Properly spray off linens and do laundry
• Follow proper hygiene and biosecurity practices when preparing food and handling patients
• Perform cleaning, upkeep, improvements, and minor repairs to aviaries and pools
• Respond to public phone calls and emails regarding injured birds
• Coordinate transports for injured birds to/from our satellite care facilities, veterinary partners, government agencies or our main hospital on Hawaii Island.
• Maintain inventory of wildlife diets and care supplies
• Assist in routine predator and pest control
• Maintain mealworm/bug colonies and any other live animals (rats, mice, birds, etc.) that may be used for live feeding.
• Be able to go on bird rescues, supply pickup, and other tasks that require driving. HWC has a rescue vehicle that may be used for work purposes.
• Coordinate and train hospital volunteers
• Mentor and provide professional training regarding wildlife rehabilitation to interns and veterinary students
• Other wildlife rehabilitation duties as required or assigned

Qualifications required:

• Must have a minimum of 6 months of experience working with a variety of avian species in a rehabilitation setting
• Must have a degree in biology or related field from an accredited university or relevant work experience in animal or wildlife care
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays and be flexible to change of schedule based on caseload and staffing
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete medical records
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally
• Must have a positive “Can do” attitude, be able to handle stressful situations calmly, demonstrate professionalism, exhibit a strong work ethic and be able to handle physically rigorous work as well as tedious routine work.
• Ability to follow directions and protocols and carry out assignments in a timely manner
• Must have initiative and motivation to identify work projects and daily tasks
• Willing to make a commitment to the organization’s mission, vision and values as well as to the native wildlife of Hawaiʻi
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds
• Legally entitled to work in the United States
• Have or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license with no record of major or repeated minor traffic offenses.

SALARY RANGE: $35,000 to $37,500 plus benefits and commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription start after 1-month of employment; and 10-vacation days annually after passing 6-months probationary period; 401k retirement plan.

Application Process: PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS PRECISELY. email cover letter, resume, and three references in one document and titled with your last name to info@hawaiiwildlifecenter.org. Please put ‘Rehabilitation Technician Position’ in the subject line.

Date Needed: ASAP

Date Posted: January 2, 2025

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. No phone calls please.