Rehabilitation Assistant

POSITION INFORMATION:

Job Title: Rehabilitation Assistant 
Reports to: Rehabilitation Manager
Compensation: Starting wage is $15 per hour (non-exempt)
Hours: Part-time, up to 30 hours per week

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Rehabilitation Assistant supports the care of sick, injured, and orphaned birds, working under the supervision of the Rehabilitation Manager. This role involves monitoring and reporting on patients’ medical needs, ensuring high-quality care throughout the rehabilitation process. Collaboration is key, as the Rehabilitation Assistant works closely with staff, interns, and volunteers to advance the mission of rehabilitating Maine’s wild birds. Strong communication skills are essential for effective teamwork and engagement.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Ensure that animal husbandry needs are met for all patients including appropriate food and dietary supplements, water, weighing, providing naturalistic enrichment, and species-specific enclosure setups, upgrades, and transfers
  • Help determine, assess, and update feeding plans daily
  • Inventory and maintain food supplies. Communicate with the Rehabilitation Manager when supplies or other items need to be restocked
  • Ensure that all areas are clean and disinfected as necessary to maintain a safe and sanitary environment throughout the clinic and facility; cleaning includes but is not limited to enclosures, pools, floors, laundry, and dishes
  • Observe and document patient behavior and report any medical issues to clinic staff
  • Maintain and update patient rehabilitation records accurately and in a timely manner, using RaptorMed
  • Follow safety protocols and handle patients in ways that maximize human and patient safety
  • Assist with training and educating new volunteers, interns, and staff as needed
  • Work with team members to assist with projects and workflow
  • As needed, assist with clinical care:
    • Provide restraint for exams and radiographs
    • Administer prescribed medications as directed
    • Perform fecal exams and mouth swabs for parasites
    • Under the supervision of Clinic Director, assist with specialized procedures

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings
  • Maintain professional and timely email correspondence using an Avian Haven email account 
  • Identify, report, and/or resolve maintenance issues in a timely manner
  • Participate in continuing education to maintain and update working knowledge of avian rehabilitation
  • Work cooperatively as an effective team member with staff, volunteers, and interns to ensure the highest standards of animal husbandry, safety, sanitation, and communication
  • Perform other duties, as assigned, to ensure a positive public image, enhance the operations of the organization, and improve the quality of life for birds in the organization’s care
  • Follow all Avian Haven social media policies

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience in wildlife rehabilitation and/or veterinary medicine
  • Basic knowledge of wildlife rehabilitation standards, including identification, species-specific diet and habitat needs, diagnostics, and restraint
  • Commitment to following wildlife rehabilitation standards for quality of life, including acceptance of the use of euthanasia
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Strong verbal communication skills 
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of the team
  • Punctual, detail-oriented, professional, and dependable nature
  • Ability to foster teamwork, approach problems in a solutions-oriented manner, and help create a positive work environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in animal science, wildlife science, or a related field
  • Two or more years of experience in wildlife rehabilitation with avian species native to Maine
  • Training and/or certification from the IWRC, NWRA, or a similar organization
  • Familiarity or experience working in wildlife education

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

  • Ability to lift and move a minimum of 50 lbs. without assistance
  • Ability to stand, walk, kneel, and crouch for prolonged periods of time 
  • Ability to work in inclement weather such as rain, snow, high heat, humidity, and high winds
  • Employees may come into contact with zoonotic diseases, chemicals, radiography equipment, potentially combative animals, and allergens such as: peanuts, tree nuts, etc. 

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:

Avian Haven does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, public assistance, ethnic background, religion, marital status, economic class, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, creed, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and any other legally protected characteristics in admission or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. The organization complies with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. 

Application Instructions: To apply, please submit as a PDF attachment a letter of interest, a resume, and three references to: admin@avianhaven.org.  No phone calls please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.