Rehab Wildlife Keeper - Intermittent

at Forest Preserve District of DuPage County in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, United States

Job Description

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of its citizens."

Job Summary

This position provides and coordinates care to sick, orphaned, and injured wildlife, provides service to residents of DuPage County, and benefits local wildlife ecology and populations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide care for captive wildlife, including appropriate housing, diet preparation, and overall well-being.
• Monitor animal behavior, health, and welfare.
• Manage and provide training for staff and volunteers in wildlife care and rehabilitation protocols.
• Assist in the clinic as needed, supporting the veterinary staff.
• Collaborate with veterinary staff in the assessment and treatment of wildlife.
• Facilitate the release of wildlife, including banding, evaluation, location picking, and transport.
• Regularly inspect enclosures and perform cage maintenance and repairs to ensure the safety and security of both keepers and wildlife.
• Maintain and acquire supplies necessary for the proper husbandry of animals.
• Assist with administrative tasks, including maintaining electronic medical records.
• Provide educational information on native wildlife to visitors, volunteers, and the community.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
• High School Diploma/GED, 1 - 3 years of related experience in wildlife animal care and rehabilitation, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Valid Driver's License in good standing.
• Must have and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).
• Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).
• Experience with training other seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of animal characteristics, behavior, and care.
• Knowledge of safe handling and restraining practices.
• Familiarity with observing and controlling a variety of wildlife.
• Knowledge of native wildlife species, behavior, and rehabilitation techniques.
• Ability to use of a variety of equipment and tools for maintenance of items.
• Effective in establishing and maintaining productive workplace relationships.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and organized records.

Schedule: Shift: Works on an as-needed basis during certain peak seasons or programs for a variable number of hours per week and a variable number of weeks per year. November - February 20 hours per week. March & October 25 hours per week. April - September 35 hours per week.

Work Environment: This position requires working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Frequent requirements to move supplies with exposure to wildlife, insects, and medical equipment.

Pay: $18.91 - 20.67 per hour.

Location: Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.