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

ANIMAL CARE ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Animal Care Assistant (Seasonal) 

Salary: $16.50/hr

Job Type: 

Location: Goleta, California

Reports to: Director of Rehabilitation

Work Authorization: United States

Contact: Britt Rickman, Director of Rehabilitation: britt@sbwcn.org

Summary

Under the direction of the Rehabilitation Director, the Animal Care Assistant coordinates the daily rehabilitation needs of patients in care, helps direct volunteers and interns, and helps maintain a clean and safe environment all while upholding Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Networks mission statement and policies. 

Essential Duties

Works as a team member with staff, interns, and volunteers to respond to all public questions and concerns regarding species identification, injured/orphaned wildlife, etc. This includes answering the Wildlife Care Center phone and logging calls received, and referring callers to other local agencies as appropriate.

Maintains the cleanliness and organization of all things at the Wildlife Center so that the center is kept spotlessly clean and sanitary to meet the standards for an animal hospital. This includes, but is not limited to, sterilization of equipment, upkeep of the kitchen, laundry, bathroom, and removal of trash and recycling all on a daily basis. 

1. 
   Keeping all sections of the grounds clean and organized. 
2. Cleaning crates, net bottoms, pools, etc according to policies and protocols. 
3. Keeping up with washing dishes and doing laundry.
4. Sweeping and mopping floors in all rooms/buildings. 

Provides the proper and humane husbandry and handling of all wildlife at the center. 

1. 
   Maintain high standards of cleanliness in enclosures at all times, demonstrating proper use of cleaning/disinfecting chemicals and equipment. 
2. Ensure all species are housed appropriately and in accordance with the standards of care. 
3. Demonstrate the ability to safely and properly handle and restrain a variety of species. 

Coordinates and supervises the food preparation and feeding schedules for all wildlife at the center to provide adequate nutritional balance and weight maintenance.

1. 
   Prepare meals for animals according to specified protocols including any specific dietary needs and adhere to the feeding schedule. 
2. Keep all kitchen spaces clean and disinfected.
3. Properly store and label all foods, including formulas, live insects, etc.

Assists with first aid and after-care treatment to injured and sick wildlife at the center, which include, but are not limited to: properly bathing oil-soaked birds/mammals; immobilizing fractures; fluid therapy; administering medications; special diets; etc. This includes alerting the veterinary care team to medical cases. 

1. 
   Complete OWCN on-line training.
2. Responsible for assisting with intake examinations of new arrival animals including performing initial exam, collecting blood samples, calculating/drawing up and administering medications and subcutaneous or intravenous fluids, cleaning and dressing wounds, applying wing and stabilization wraps, WRMD data entry, setting up enclosure, starting feed sheet and any other necessary paperwork for said patient.
3. Alert veterinary staff of any new issues (i.e. changes in behavior, wounds, etc.)

Other duties as assigned.

Environment:

While performing the duties of this job at SBWCN the animal care assistant will be exposed to different odors, noise, temperatures, various chemicals, and hazardous materials (such as petroleum based products). Exposure to zoonotic disease is possible whenever working with wildlife. 

Animal Care Staff must have a positive attitude, be willing to adapt to new situations and changing case loads, and possess an ongoing curiosity for learning new techniques for the care of animals. Animal Care Staff must display good judgment; application of common sense is critical for the safety and well being of all workers, and the animals in the care of the organization. 

Qualifications:

• 
  Ability to read, write, comprehend, and apply detailed animal care protocols. 
• Effectively communicate information on both an individual basis and group situations and have excellent interpersonal skills for interactions with volunteers, other employees, governing agencies, outside members of the public, and other rehabilitation centers.
• Possess basic mathematical skills with the ability to work with different units of measurement.
• Basic computer knowledge. 
• Capacity and interest to continuously work on improving animal care skills and developing emergency response capacities.
• Familiarity with California wildlife.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 
  Past work in a wildlife rehabilitation clinic.
• Familiarity with the Incident Command System and Oiled Wildlife Care Network protocols.
• Rabies vaccinated or willing to become rabies vaccinated. 
• Wildlife rehabilitation skills including rescue and transport, performing physical examinations, patient triage, nutrition plan development, patient housing, and basic medical skills (administering injections, basic wound/fracture management, gavage, fluid therapy, pain management and euthanasia)

Requirements

• 
  Employees are exposed to moving parts, zoonotic diseases, aggressive/feral animals, toxic/caustic chemicals, and radiography equipment.
• Ability to lift and move items up to 40lbs.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to crouch, crawl, climb, stoop, bend, twist, and kneel.
• Must be able to catch/restrain a variety of different animals safely. 
• Energy, flexibility, and resilience with an ability to deal with difficult or unforeseen problems, remain calm, and not give up.
• Vaccination requirements: Covid 19 and Tetanus. Flu shot may additionally be required due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. 
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies.
• Positive Attitude

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.

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

Britt Rickman

Director of Rehabilitation

britt@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