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The International

Wildlife Education & Care Coordinator

The International, California, Missouri, United States, 65018

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Wildlife Education & Care Coordinator Schedule: This is an on‑site, full‑time, year‑round position following a non‑traditional work week of Wednesday through Sunday. Evening and weekend work is required, with evening shifts expected during the busy season. Compensation: Hourly, non‑exempt position starting at $20‑$22/hr, depending on experience. The position includes 80 hours of paid time off (PTO), holidays pay, and 5 days of sick time annually.

POSITION SUMMARY Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC) is seeking a Wildlife Educator & Rehabilitation Coordinator. This hybrid position is designed to align with LTWC’s busiest operational periods, shifting focus throughout the year to best support education, ambassador animal care, and rehabilitation needs.

From May through September, this role focuses primarily on leading youth education camps, delivering outreach and on‑site programs, with continuing and training and handling LTWC’s animal ambassadors year‑round. During this period, the position also provides assisted relief support to the Wildlife Rehabilitation team, including routine animal care, intake and humane euthanasia as needed during peak intake times.

From October through April, the focus shifts toward education program development, curriculum planning, and ambassador training, while providing more consistent hands‑on support to the Wildlife Rehabilitation department. This position reports to the Wildlife Care Manager and works closely with the Community Programs Coordinator to ensure seamless integration between education, ambassador animal care, and rehabilitation operations.

WHO WE ARE Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Inc. (LTWC) is a 501(c)(3) tax‑exempt organization whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release orphaned and injured wild birds and mammals. LTWC operates under permits issued by California Fish & Wildlife, the United States Department of the Interior Fish & Wildlife Service and the United States Department of Agriculture. Our 27‑acre location includes multiple wildlife enclosures and a new multi‑purpose administration and animal care hospital building.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Animal Ambassador Care and Training

Provide daily care for ambassador birds and mammals including feeding, cleaning, watering, medicating, observation, and record keeping

Develop and implement training and enrichment programs using positive reinforcement and choice‑based methods

Monitor animal health and behavior and report concerns to appropriate staff

Collaborate with the Wildlife Care Manager on health evaluations and long‑term care plans

Assist with administering medications, treatments, and safe restraint as needed

Maintain ambassador diets and adjust as necessary

Develop and uphold safety protocols for ambassador animals, staff, volunteers, and guests

Education Program Delivery

Deliver engaging education programs for diverse audiences through tours, camps, presentations, and outreach

Lead and coordinate youth education initiatives including seasonal camps

Design age‑appropriate curricula and program outlines aligned with LTWC’s mission and permits

Collaborate with local school districts, partner organizations, and community groups to develop customized programs

Support eco‑tourism education initiatives such as nature walks, snowshoeing, kayaking, and hikes

Assist with tabling events and community outreach as needed

Assist with social media by creating educational posts and capturing photos of wildlife rehabilitation stages

Wildlife Rehabilitation Support

Assist with animal intake, care, feeding, enrichment, and medical treatments as needed

Support the Wildlife Care Manager, Veterinarian, staff, interns, and volunteers with patient care

Monitor animals for changes in condition and update records using WRMD

Assist with releases and assess readiness for release under supervision

Help maintain clean, safe, and sanitary animal care spaces

Coordinate wildlife transportation as needed

Answer wildlife hotline calls and assist the public with wildlife concerns

Assist with repairs and improvements to the center’s facilities, enclosures, and equipment

Volunteer and Intern Coordination

Train and support volunteers and interns within education, ambassador, and seasonal rehab roles

Help develop and maintain education and ambassador volunteer handbooks and intern program materials

Supervise volunteers on shift and provide ongoing feedback and mentorship

General Administration

Maintain professional communication with staff, volunteers, partners, and the public

Assist with invoicing and refunds for education programs

Oversee record keeping and preparation of all applications, renewals, and annual reports for agencies related to permits for education

Perform other tasks as needed to support the organization’s goals and mission

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, zoology, or a related field

At least three years of experience handling and training birds of prey, mammals, or reptiles

At least one year of wildlife rehabilitation or similar experience

Capable of humanely performing euthanasia and managing the emotional aspects

Experience with curriculum development and public education

Knowledge of positive reinforcement and choice‑based animal training techniques

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking

Ability to work collaboratively, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing priorities

Willingness to obtain or maintain required certifications, including rabies vaccination and euthanasia certification

Must be available for required weekend shifts and evenings

Alignment with LTWC’s philosophy and policies on wildlife rehabilitation

Vaccinations and Other Requirements

Required vaccinations: Covid‑19 and tetanus

Valid driver’s license, car insurance, and reliable transportation

Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and timely performance

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

Walk and/or stand on your feet throughout a normal active workday.

Engage in repetitive motions of legs, arms, and hands.

Must be able to hold a 5‑10 lb. bird on the glove for minimum 30 minutes.

Lift and move animals up to 50 pounds.

Tolerate allergic conditions from working with animals.

Sit at a desk for extended periods, twisting to reach equipment and operate office tools.

LTWC will make reasonable accommodations for known disabilities as required by applicable law.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Training and/or certification from the ABMA, IATCB, or a similar organization

Familiarity or experience working in wildlife education and/or rehabilitation

Bilingual

HOW TO APPLY Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those submitted by January 25th, 2025. Please apply via our online application form. Contact info@ltwc.org with any questions.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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