Staff Wildlife Rehabilitator
Location
Shipman, Virginia, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
0-1 years
Compensation
$20 - $20 per hour
Posted
12h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Staff Wildlife Rehabilitator will provide excellent rehabilitative care to injured and orphaned native wildlife, including daily cleaning, feeding, and monitoring of animal health. This role also involves training interns and volunteers, assisting with outreach programs, and performing administrative tasks such as patient data entry and public inquiries.
RWS seeks an experienced animal care professional to join our wildlife rehabilitation team. Reporting to the Rehabilitation Program Manager, this role supports daily care for injured and orphaned native wildlife.
The Sanctuary operates 7 AM–7 PM during spring and summer. Rehabilitation shifts are typically 7 AM–3 PM or 11 AM–7 PM, with a potential 4x10-hour schedule after training based on operational needs. This is an on-site position; remote or hybrid work is not available. During winter, employees may have dedicated focus time or work from home for continuing education and administrative tasks. Anticipated start dates are December 2, 2026 or January 6, 2027.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide daily rehabilitative care for wildlife and education ambassador animals.
Feed, clean, and maintain indoor nurseries and 50+ outdoor enclosures.
Monitor animal health, behavior, weight, appetite, and progress; maintain accurate records.
Assist with restraint, examinations, diagnostics, treatments, admissions, and first aid.
Coordinate transportation of incoming animals and severely injured patients to the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
Prepare specialized diets, including formula and bird batter; neonatal birds may require feeding every 30 minutes from sunrise to sunset.
Observe patients and assist with release assessments and research projects.
Maintain excellent sanitation and biosecurity standards.
Train, supervise, and mentor rehabilitation interns and volunteers.
Assist with training ambassador animals, outreach programs, social media, fundraising events, and public education.
Enter and maintain patient records in WILD-ONe and respond to rehabilitation-related phone and email inquiries.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
What We’re Looking For:
Time-efficient, organized, and detail-oriented, with the ability to work quickly without compromising animal care.
Able to work independently and maintain high standards with limited supervision.
Positive, collaborative team member who communicates effectively.
Enthusiastic and resilient when handling physically demanding, emotionally challenging, and unpredictable situations.
Comfortable working outdoors in hot, dirty, and challenging conditions and handling difficult animal welfare decisions.
Requirements:
Must be 21 years or older.
Current tetanus vaccination.
Completion of the rabies vaccination series before starting; funding may be available if not covered by insurance.
Fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Must obtain a Category IV Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources after hire, including six hours of approved continuing education.
Must secure personal housing; housing is not provided.
Must have reliable access to a car for transportation of animals and commuting.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Willingness to work five days per week, including one weekend day, with two consecutive weekdays off. Occasional overnight neonatal mammal feedings may be required.
At least one year of wildlife rehabilitation experience or two years of domestic animal handling experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, or a related field.
Wildlife rehabilitation and team management experience.
Experience with scientifically informed biosecurity and sanitation protocols.
Knowledge of state and federal wildlife regulations.
Experience with wildlife patient databases such as WILD-ONe or WRMD.
Updated 12h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
0-1 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$20 - $20 per hour
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary
Team size
Growing team
Location
Shipman, Virginia, United States
Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization nestled in the beautiful foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The Sanctuary is a mid-volume center, treating roughly 800-1,000 wild animals each year from 70+ different species with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. Our 3,000 square foot indoor facility is complemented by 50 outdoor enclosures across our wooded 20 acre property, providing recovering patients with the peaceful environment they need to thrive.
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Staff Wildlife Rehabilitator
Shipman, Virginia, United States • Full Time