Part-Time Wildlife Care Specialist

Wildlife Care Specialist:
Part-Time (Non-Exempt)

Rate: $13.00 starting hourly to $16.00 max hourly rate

Pay Grade: [PT] | Starting salary based on prior experience and education.

Location:

Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Kirtland, OH 44094

Lake Metroparks is seeking a Wildlife Care Specialist to provide exceptional care for injured, orphaned, and non-releasable native wildlife at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center. Under the direction of the Wildlife Care Manager, this position is responsible for supporting all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation, including animal triage, medical treatment, medication administration, nutritional preparation, husbandry, enrichment, and pre-release conditioning. The Wildlife Care Specialist works collaboratively with staff and volunteers to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare while maintaining compliance with applicable federal and state wildlife regulations.

This position requires a flexible schedule of up to 28 hours per week, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife conservation, zoology, pre-veterinary medicine, animal science, or a closely related field; or
• One (1) to two (2) years of experience working with animals in a wildlife rehabilitation facility, veterinary setting, zoological institution, or similar environment.
• Experience handling and caring for native wildlife preferred.
• Valid Ohio driver's license with an acceptable driving record and the ability to remain insurable under the Park District's liability insurance policy.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Required Training:
All Park District employees shall complete and maintain all mandatory training, which may include safety, fraud, ethics, sexual harassment and additional job specific training.

• Provide daily care and rehabilitation services for injured, orphaned, and resident wildlife, including feeding, medication administration, treatment, and husbandry.
• Assess wildlife upon intake by identifying species, age, condition, and rehabilitation needs.
• Assist with animal triage, medical procedures, and ongoing treatment plans under established rehabilitation protocols.
• Prepare specialized diets and ensure appropriate nutritional care for a diverse collection of native wildlife species.
• Perform nursery care for juvenile wildlife, including feeding schedules and developmental monitoring.
• Implement enrichment activities and pre-release conditioning programs that encourage natural behaviors and successful reintroduction into the wild.
• Maintain accurate animal records, medical charts, and rehabilitation documentation in accordance with federal, state, and agency requirements.
• Assist with wildlife rescues, transport, releases, and animal transfers as necessary.
• Maintain animal enclosures, treatment areas, equipment, and supplies to ensure a safe and sanitary environment.
• Conduct research and remain informed on wildlife rehabilitation best practices and emerging animal care techniques.
• Participate in educational programs, public presentations, special events, and interpretive opportunities that support wildlife conservation and community engagement.
• Work cooperatively with staff, volunteers, veterinarians, and partner organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position has no supervisory duties.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and duties listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, email, internet-based systems, and electronic recordkeeping software.

Ability to safely operate animal handling and restraint equipment, microscopes, centrifuges, oxygen and anesthesia equipment, small power tools, and Park District vehicles.

Ability to learn and utilize wildlife rehabilitation databases and other job-related software applications.

This position requires the employee to have the following observable knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or behaviors that are required to succeed in performing the essential functions.

• Knowledge of wildlife rehabilitation principles, animal husbandry practices, and native Ohio wildlife species.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and enrichment techniques.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local wildlife regulations and permitting requirements.

• Strong animal handling and observation skills.
• Effective organizational, recordkeeping, and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.

• Ability to show compassion and maintain composure when…