Wildlife Rehabilitator – Lihue, HI

Organization: Save Our Shearwaters, Kauai Humane Society

Job Title: Wildlife Rehabilitator

Location: Lihue, HI

Hours and Compensation: Full time, Commensurate with experience

Position Dates: Start ASAP

Application Deadline: August 10th, but send in ASAP

Posted On: August 1st, 2012

Description

The Kauai Humane Society (KHS), through its Save Our Shearwaters (SOS) program, seeks an experienced Wildlife Rehabilitator to aid in its wild bird response and recovery effort. SOS, a 30-year program, was formerly operated by the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife on Kauai. The focus avian species of this project include Newell’s Shearwater, Hawaiian Petrel, and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel. These are state and federally listed seabirds that suffer from light attraction when fledging out to sea. The SOS Program seeks to band and release all grounded fledgling seabirds (initially rescued by concerned citizens) and successfully return them to sea in the best possible condition. Heavy fledgling fallout primarily occurs between September and December, but the SOS program responds to fallout from adult seabirds and aids other native water birds outside of this period. Some of the grounded birds require rehabilitation before release if found in a compromised condition. The others are processed (banded, weighed and measured,) by the SOS program team and released.

A typical work week will consist of 40+ hours. Flexibility with the work week and days off is a must. On-call duties and evening/weekend shifts will also be incorporated into this position during the off-season when necessary. The Wildlife Rehabilitator must be comfortable working with a wide range of programs and personnel housed by the Humane Society. The Wildlife Rehabilitator will be responsible for transportation to Kauai, in addition to finding appropriate housing.

Responsibilities

• Participates in all wildlife care duties and the daily operation of the center, including rescue and rehabilitation of native wildlife.
• Work in a humane, professional, and responsible manner, and encourage by teaching and example other staff and volunteers to show the same qualities
• Maintain operations in accordance to the SOS Procedure Manual and in conjunction with IWRC/NWRA minimum standards and best practices for wildlife rehabilitation.
• Maintain the sanitation and upkeep of the intake clinic and holding room, in addition to outdoor enclosures and pool systems
• Direct and/or assist in the modification of all seabird-related facilities as needed.
• Contributes to the yearly update of the SOS Procedure Manual
• Assists in Kauai’s native avifauna and SOS outreach and education activities
• Treats all animals humanely, professionally, and with compassion.

Qualifications

• Bird banding experience (seabird-specific a strong consideration)
• Completion of IWRC’s Basic rehabilitation course 1AB desired.
• Animal health technician training preferred.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian wildlife and natural history preferred

SOS will seek applicants with an ability to work independently, in a group of two (with the SOS coordinator) as well as with a staff of up to 5 seasonal technicians. The rehabilitator must also have the ability to trouble-shoot when concerns arise. SOS also hopes to find applicants who have specifically worked with state and/or federally listed species.d

How to Apply