Jobs At SBWCN

Work That Makes a Wild Difference

Whether you're treating an injured pelican, coordinating a rescue, or managing behind-the-scenes logistics, every role contributes to the survival of wild animals who have no one else to turn to.

If you're passionate about wildlife, dedicated to conservation, and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, we want to hear from you.

Available Positions

Job Title: Director of Veterinary Medicine

Department: Cariño Veterinary Program

Reports To: Executive Director

Status: Exempt/Full Time (40/week)

Salary: $100K - $125K per year, depending on experience

Location: Goleta, California

Work Authorization:  United States

JOB DESCRIPTION

Director of Veterinary Medicine reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for providing and overseeing veterinary health/medical/surgical services to maximize care for rehabilitating wildlife. The veterinarian provides training for staff and volunteers to provide appropriate care.

The priorities for this position are to 1) strengthen and provide expertise to the animal rehabilitation program, and; 2) save the lives of injured and orphaned wild animals in our care by ensuring that treatment of all wildlife in our care is executed to the highest achievable level with the assistance of volunteers, staff assistants, veterinary technicians interns and volunteers in hospital and in homecare. The veterinarian:

• Provides care for more 4,000 patients annually in wildlife rehabilitation of an average of 200 mammal, avian, reptile, and amphibian species.
• Trains and oversees staff and volunteers in aspects of veterinary medicine that will enhance the care of our patients and foster professional growth, meet department goals, and further the mission of inspiring and connecting people with wildlife in order to make the world we share healthier and safer for all of us.
• Ensures that excellent customer service—to volunteers, coworkers, the public, and the patients—is consistently administered.
• Demonstrates patience and empathy for members of the public, staff, and volunteers with a positive attitude

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the Veterinarian for SBWCN; provides medical care for wildlife hospital patients. Perform diagnostic testing as needed. Perform medical, surgical, and anesthetic procedures. Advise staff during medical, surgical, and anesthetic procedures. Communicate medical information accurately to staff and the public as necessary and appropriate.
• Collaborate with partner organizations as necessary on wildlife care, record- sharing, and continuing education
• Develop medical protocols in conjunction with lead rehabilitation technician and wildlife rehabilitation manager to direct rehabilitation staff and volunteers.
• Provide checks and re-checks on patients in care
• Ensure animal medical records are maintained as required by law.
• Euthanize and/or assist with euthanasia of animals as needed in accordance with SBWCN policies and procedures and California state law.
• Perform animal necropsies and write reports as needed
• Pursue adequate and appropriate continuing education.
• Provides externships to veterinarians, veterinary students and residents in the area of wildlife rehabilitation.
• Monitors the dispensation of drugs and other prescribed treatments.
• Works with department directors to ensure both departments are in compliance with federal and state laws regarding veterinary medical and wildlife rehabilitation practices 
• Represents SBWCN at fundraising and other community or private events.
• Participates in Management meetings.
• Coordinates on-call and volunteer veterinarians.
• Manages medicine orders, medical supply orders, and medical equipment purchases and repairs
• Operating specialty equipment including, but not limited to: Digital X-Ray, CT Machine, Endoscope, Gas Anesthesia, and Critical Care Units
• Be available to respond to emergency situations involving wildlife (such as, but not limited to, natural disasters, mass morbidity and mortality events, and oiled events)

QUALIFICATIONS

• California Veterinary License
• DEA license
• 3-4 years’ experience in the practice of veterinary medicine. At least 2 years of experience with medical care of wild animals in rehabilitation or a zoological institution.
• USDA Category II Accreditation or eligibility for accreditation
• Professional standing and ability to represent SBWCN with governmental regulatory agencies and professional organizations across the country.
• Flexible with the ability to adapt to a dynamic environment.
• Even tempered, ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Positive attitude 
• Collaborative approach to working with colleagues
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills and ability to cultivate positive and congenial relationships with staff and volunteers.
• Teaching skills
• Experience effectively supervising/managing veterinary technicians, assistants, interns, externs, and volunteers

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The selected candidate will lead the Cariño Veterinary Department at SBWCN. Wildlife Rehabilitation can be a fast-paced, intense, and emotionally fraught for staff, volunteers, and the public. The successful candidate should possess the situational awareness to navigate this environment.

• Have empathy, compassion, patience, and be able to make and execute difficult emotional decisions regarding the lives of injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife.
• There is a frequent need to stand, stoop, twist, walk, lift animal crates and other objects (up to 50 pounds), and perform similar actions during the course of the workday.
• Will be handling/restraining sick, injured and orphaned native wild animals; exposure to zoonosis, bites, scratches and other potential injury.
• Pre-exposure rabies vaccinations are required as well as current on vaccinations such as tetanus. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Ability to stand, speak, and listen for long periods of time (hours)
• Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and ability to use hands/arms to palpate, handle, feel, reach, and lift/move up to 40lbs
• Must be able to palpate and auscultate during animal exams
• Must be able to move about the center for hours, ascend/descend stairs, transport equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, and position oneself into tight spaces, low areas, or on the ground to perform facility maintenance and animal care/husbandry.
• Must be able to crouch, crawl, climb, stoop, bend, twist, and kneel.
• Must be able to handle and restrain various sized wildlife species
• Must have good near, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as good depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Indoor and outdoor conditions include temperatures of ~30-110F, rain, strong wind, high heat and humidity, dry air, and allergens
• Employees are exposed to moving parts, zoonotic diseases, aggressive/feral animals, toxic/caustic chemicals, and radiography equipment

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Frequently requires time pressures, frequent change of tasks, irregular schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, tedious or exacting work, and noisy/distracting environment. 

OVERALL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a position in an animal care facility. While performing the duties of this position the employee will be exposed to odors, noise, and in the vicinity of a variety of wild animals and hazardous material (such as petroleum products during an oil spill). Employees are exposed to moving parts, zoonotic diseases, aggressive/feral animals, toxic/caustic chemicals, and radiography equipment.
• Occasionally transports wildlife for rescue, rehabilitation, and release purposes

Additional Provisions

In the event of an oil spill, this position may be asked to take on oil spill-related duties outside of general business. In CA oil spills, this position may be put on the OWCN payroll and paid in accordance with OWCN approved rates. This will be done only with prior agreement with the Executive Director and the OWCN and you will be informed of those rates at the time of the spill.

The Director of Veterinary Medicine's employment is subject to a 3 month probationary period.

To apply:  Please send a copy of your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to:

Ariana Katovich

Executive Director

ariana@sbwcn.org

Why Work at SBWCN?

We’re more than a wildlife hospital, we’re a team of problem-solvers, animal advocates, and community educators working on the frontlines of environmental care. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• A supportive and collaborative team culture
• The chance to directly impact the lives of thousands of wild animals each year
• Opportunities for training and growth in the field of wildlife rehabilitation
• A workplace rooted in compassion, science, and service