Reports to: Director of Animal Care or Animal Care Managers
Supervises: None
Classification: Paid Fellowship
Salary: Stipend of $250/week 
Term: May 1, 2023 to August 7, 2023 (Starting and ending dates can be flexible within 3 weeks, 14 weeks total)

WildCare provides people a place to bring native wildlife struggling to survive with the goal of releasing healthy individuals back to nature. WildCare, the largest wildlife rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma and one of the largest in the U.S., is currently offering full-time, summer fellowships. Fellows have responsibilities in all aspects of care for over 7,200 of Oklahoma’s injured, ill, and orphaned wildlife. Over 270 species are brought to WildCare annually.

Job Purpose
WildCare is seeking an animal husbandry fellow to learn about and provide daily rehabilitative care to injured, ill, or orphaned wildlife. This is a paid, full-time fellowship with an established, high-volume wildlife rehabilitation center. You will receive training on animal care protocols and hands-on experience, guided by the professional staff, in WildCare’s wildlife hospital and in the rehabilitative care of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Learn and implement patient protocols by species.
• Provide all daily rehabilitative care for wildlife patients in assigned care areas, including feeding and cleaning, treatment, and monitoring patients’ progress.
• Assist with animal admissions, intake examinations, and patient record entries.
• Help members of the public resolve human/animal conflicts on the phone, over email, and through requests for help on social media following training. During the spring and summer, WildCare receives an average of over 100 calls each day.
• Provide direct support to the wildlife veterinarian and RVT in the wildlife hospital while learning about the basics of wildlife medicine. Assist with physical therapy and other medical procedures.
• Carry out maintenance projects at the facility and other projects assigned by Animal Care Managers.
• Observe animals’ condition and behavior and report to Animal Care Managers.
• Carry out assigned releases.
• Participate in staff meetings.

As a fellow, you will have the opportunity to rotate through different areas of the facility based on need, previous experience, and personal interest.

Qualifications

• Responsible, trustworthy, and motivated multi-tasker.
• Must have a positive attitude and manage stress in a fast-paced work environment.
• Must be willing to learn and grow.
• Must be comfortable working around humane animal euthanasia
• Bachelor’s Degree in progress or completed in Biology, Life Sciences, or related field preferred. 
• Must have COVID-19 and tetanus vaccinations.
• Rabies pre-vaccination strongly preferred; a $20/week increase in stipend will be provided with proof of this vaccination.
• Wildlife rehabilitation or other animal care experience is strongly preferred. 
• Reliable personal vehicle and valid driver’s license required. 

General Competencies

• Attendance and Dependability – Consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions and responds to management direction. Provides consistent, timely, high-quality work. Follows through on commitments. Uses time efficiently. Takes responsibility for own actions. 
• Customer Service – Treats customers (internal and external) with respect and courtesy. Shows interest in, anticipates, and responds timely to customer needs and concerns. Responds appropriately to and resolves difficult and emotional situations. Seeks ways to improve service delivery. 
• Diversity – Enthusiastically works with all employees, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, culture, and age. Values contributions of people from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrates respect for opinions and ideas of others. Shows awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and individual values. 
• Ethics – Tells truth and is honest in all dealings. Avoids situations and actions considered inappropriate or which present a conflict of interest. Upholds organizational values. Does not misrepresent self or use position or authority for personal gain. 
• Teamwork – Listens and responds constructively to others’ views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Helps others when they need it. Shares expertise. Acknowledges others’ effort and contribution. Puts success of team above own interests. Creates a positive work environment. 

Essential Functions, Physical Demands and Work Environment
The majority of WildCare’s facilities are outdoors. Therefore, candidates for this job must be able to:

• Work indoors and outdoors. 
• Participate in team lifting of animals, weighing up to 300 pounds. Must be able to lift 50 pounds on their own. 
• Safely restrain dangerous animals.
• Walk, stand, kneel, and crouch indoors and outdoors on uneven terrain in a wide range of weather conditions.
• Physically exert themselves at times.
• Use of all senses every day to evaluate patients—vision, hearing, and hand-eye coordination will be essential for examining and working with wildlife species. 
• Understand there may be potential exposure to isoflurane, x-rays, hazardous chemicals, zoonotic and other contagious diseases, and medical drugs.
• Use a computer to admit patients, update patient records, conduct research to help members of the public, and communicate with WildCare’s constituency. 

You will be working 45 to 60 hours weeks with regular days off.

Expectations
WildCare expects their fellows to work hard, be dedicated to learning, and maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment. Fellows must be able to communicate effectively and treat others with respect. Fellows should serve as role models for the compassionate and dedicated care animal patients need and deserve. Fellows should be detail-oriented, should be able to recognize their limitations, and know when to ask for help from their Animal Care Manager. Fellows should be willing to give their time to ensure all animal patients receive the care they deserve and to see all jobs through to completion.

To Apply
Send cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to hiring@WildCareOklahoma.org by April 9th , 2023. Put “Summer 2023 Fellowship” in the subject line.

Questions can be directed to: hiring@WildCareOklahoma.org.