Wildlife Rehabilitation Manger

~ Since 1952, the Kauai Humane Society (KHS) has been serving the island of Kauai as it's only animal welfare organization. ~

We are a not for profit organization and depend on the generous contributions of our donors to continue to fund our Programs and Services that are vital to the community and the animals we all love!

The Kauai Humane Society is the only animal welfare organization that shelters, rescues, adopts and welcomes all animals on Kauai. As an independent and local organization, we receive no funding form other animal welfare organizations such as HSUS. Our work of love is dependent on the generous hearts and hands of our members and supporters!

Position Overview

KHS, through its Save Our Shearwaters (SOS) program, seeks a wildlife rehabilitator to aid in its wild bird response and recovery effort. SOS, a 35-year program, was formerly operated by the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife on Kauai. SOS now operates under a contract between the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) as the funder of the program and KHS as the operator.

The focus avian species of this project include Newell's Shearwater, Hawaiian Petrel, and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, state and federally listed (Endangered Species Act) 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 weight and 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.

Responsibilities

The duties of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager include the following:

• 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 husbandry for 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, within operating budget determined by the SOS Coordinator.
• Design basic fluid therapy and treatment schedules based on medical diagnosis, seeking consult and/or coordinating with local avian veterinarians, wildlife biologists, SOS Coordinator and Hawaii Wildlife Center.
• Manage shifts required for patients, utilizing permitted volunteers, relevant Kauai Humane Society part-time SOS staff, and the SOS Coordinator for a 7-day operating week.
• Complete intake examinations for Program consistency, with the exception of weekends and fledgling season (September-December) limitations.
• Contributes to the yearly update of the SOS Procedure Manual.
• Assists in Kauai's native avifauna and SOS outreach and education activities.
• Monitor and organize food, medications, and cleaning supplies and reorders as needed with assistance of Coordinator and KHS Veterinary Staff.
• Promptly greets all visitors in a courteous and professional manner and assists them with SOS program information and services.
• Treats all animals humanely, professionally, and with compassion.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A college degree in biology or wildlife or a related field.
• At least 2 years' experience working in wildlife rehabilitation. 
• Previous experience with seabirds, specifically procellarids, preferred.
• Banding experience (seabird-specific a strong consideration.)
• Completion of IWRC's Basic rehabilitation course 1AB desired.
• Computer skills including Word, Excel, and preferably Access and GIS.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian wildlife and natural history preferred.
• Animal health technician training preferred.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and without direct supervision.
• Previous experience working with and supervising volunteers.
• Must be able to handle physically rigorous work in a warm/hot climate including the ability to lift and carry 20 lbs.
• Must be flexible and capable of working independently and as a team.
• Must be able to live and work on a relatively secluded and rural island.
• 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.
• The individual must be aware of the possibility of exposure to zoonotic diseases.
• SOS also hopes to find applicants who have specifically worked with state and/or federally listed species.

Additional Information 

• Start Date is July 1st 2014.
• 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, in which case field vehicles will be provided for work use and wildlife response.
• The Rehabilitation Manager must be comfortable working with a wide range of programs and personnel housed by the Humane Society.
• The Rehabilitation Manager will be responsible for transportation to Kauai, in addition to finding appropriate housing. 

Compensation: Salary range of $35,360 to $39,520 commensurate with experience. Benefits begin after 90 day orientation period.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter, resume and three references and put 'Rehabilitation Manager Position' in the subject line.  

Application Deadline: June 13th 2014. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.