Wildlife Rehabilitator

The Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (RVWS) is a registered charity located between North Gower and Kemptville, Ontario. RVWS rehabilitates up to 1,000 injured, sick or orphaned wild mammals and turtles annually with the goal of returning them to the wild. RVWS also provides advice to the public on co-existing peacefully with wildlife, and preventing and solving wildlife problems.

• Assist with maintaining a positive, healthy and safe work environment
• Assist with upholding organizational policies, procedures and practices to ensure high quality animal care standards
• Assist with overseeing wildlife rehabilitation interns and volunteers, and other staff
• Collaborate and coordinate with other wildlife rehabilitators and supervisors

• Ensure that patient welfare meets the highest standards
• Prepare daily assignments for volunteers
• Greet, brief and oversee daily interns and volunteers
• Help train and mentor new volunteers
• Communicate issues or concerns to supervisors

• Feed animals, clean cages
• Update medical, diet and other treatment plans
• Ensure treatment plans are being administered properly
• Respond to animal emergencies
• Communicate issues or concerns to supervisors
• Clean and disinfect rehab supplies and equipment, and indoor and outdoor facilities

• Admit and assess new cases
• Develop treatment plans for new patients
• Administer medications, fluids and other treatments
  
  Attend to sick or priority cases
• Assist at veterinary appointments

• Respond to client and public inquiries as required
• Maintain records

• Contribute articles for newsletters, e-news, social media and other communications
• Regularly take and upload photos and videos of wildlife patients

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• Must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment (under the Canada Summer Jobs program)
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of employment
• Must have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations

International students are not eligible participants.

• Experience in wildlife rehabilitation an asset
• Experience in supervising staff or volunteers an asset
• Enrollment in a post-secondary institution in veterinary or animal-related studies
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle (there is no public transit to our facility in North Gower)
• Proof of double Covid vaccination, tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years, and rabies vaccination within the past 2 years or proof of adequate titre levels*
• Proven verbal and written English communications skills
• Exceptional planning, organization, time management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to meet tight and evolving deadlines through strong organizational and time management skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and teamwork skills, and the ability to motivate others
• Ability to thrive and remain calm in a high-energy, challenging environment
• Ability to set priorities and work under pressure
• Ability to work independently under little supervision once trained
• Ability to meet physical demands of the job, such as heavy lifting and working outdoors in all kinds of weather

This is a 35 hr/wk position for 8 to 16 weeks, beginning as early as April 20. Wages are $19.00/hr some shift work, weekends and evenings are required. This is an essential on-site position.

A limited number of shared, on-site accommodations are available for out of town applicants.

To apply, send your resume, cover letter (including your goals if you get the position, and your availability and eligibility under the Canada Summer Jobs program), and two written references by email to info.

Although applications are open until March 15th, we will be conducting interviews as we receive applications…