We’re Hiring!
Rehabilitation Assistant, Part-time
Rehabilitation Program Description
Bird Treatment and Learning Center cares for an average of 500 injured, ill, or orphaned wild birds annually. We are permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to rehabilitate all migratory bird species, including raptors, songbirds, and waterbirds. Birds come to our clinic from across the state of Alaska. Rehabilitation staff are responsible for the day-to-day care of patients, including preparing diets, administering medications, and cleaning enclosures; they also assist with veterinary examinations, respond when birds need rescue, arrange transportation of birds, and assist the public. As a rehabilitation staff member, you will directly help give birds a second chance at life in the wild.
Rehabilitation Assistant Job Description and Duties
Under the supervision of the Avian Welfare Director, this marginal part-time (less than 20 hours a week) position supports the rehabilitation staff of Bird Treatment and Learning Center by providing care to injured and orphaned wild birds endemic to the state of Alaska. This position will focus primarily on seasonal waterbird rehabilitation, June-September, phasing into the main rehabilitation clinic October-May. During the off-season, this position will provide relief for full-time and part-time rehabilitation staff to ensure adequate coverage.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Admit waterbirds to the seasonal rehabilitation space
Perform intake examinations
Administer medications and treatments
Handle and restrain various bird species for examination, treatments, and to safely obtain weights
Assist with humane euthanasia
Prepare species-specific diets, housing, and enrichment for patients based on their natural history, growth stage, and individual needs
Follow biosecurity protocols, including appropriate use of PPE, sanitization of enclosures, perching, and surfaces
Provide volunteers with guidance and direction
Ensure daily tasks are completed that are essential to maintaining biosecurity and the efficient functioning of the facility
Maintain accurate records of patient weights, diets, and behavioral observations
Maintain clean facilities via sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, doing laundry, and more.
Professionally and courteously communicate with members of the public over the phone, while accepting patients for intake, and off-site during field observations, rescues, or pre-approved release locations.
This position requires:
Ability to communicate and effectively work with a team while wearing a mask
Ability to work weekends and holidays. Position to be trained to join the staff call rotation in the off-season. Call responsibilities include responding to concerned members of the public regarding urgent bird situations, coordinating observation and rescue efforts, meeting the public at the facility for intakes, or providing instructions for overnight care when appropriate.
Ability to adapt to organizational needs during times of low patient census and perform other duties as assigned.
Ability to perform physically demanding work throughout their shift
Availability for occasional work outside of their scheduled shift
The ability to perform vigorous, outdoor work regardless of weather conditions, primarily for the seasonal rehabilitation of waterbirds.
The ability to stand, bend, stoop, lift (must be able to lift 40lbs), climb ladders, read small text, and write legibly
A valid driver’s license and the ability to drive to rescue and release sites
Seasonal hours:
16-19 hours a week May - September
As needed October-April, based on staff schedules and patient census
Pay:
$17.00/hour
To apply, please email a resume and a short cover letter telling us why you are interested in this position and what you will bring to our rehabilitation team to Maggie McConkey, Avian Welfare Director at maggie_mcconkey@birdtlc.org. This position is open until filled. Our preference is for someone who can work part-time year-round, however, we will consider applicants who can only work through the summer.