Rehabilitation Technician I or II
Under general direction and well-defined objectives and guidelines, the Rehabilitation Technician provides “hands-on” animal care through knowledge of the disciplines of husbandry and life support systems with a strong understanding of sea turtle rehabilitation. The Rehabilitation Technician is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the pavilion, including training of staff, including interns and volunteers, the duties of animal husbandry, water quality, and life support systems, animal observation, overseeing and maintaining assigned areas (i.e., commissary and pavilion), and ensuring that all records are up to date and complete. Responsibilities include planning and daily/weekly objective settings related to all aspects of animal husbandry care for the GSTC patients/animal residents.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
Oversee volunteers and interns working within assigned areas (Pavilion and Commissary).
Participates enthusiastically in a solid program of daily husbandry and clinical care for all animals maintained by the GTSC.
Participates in the daily GSTC operations, including animal rescue response, veterinary care, technical aspects of applied and basic scientific research, and educational tours.
Responsibilities include: feeding and caring for all animals under the GSTC’s care, medicating animals and maintaining quarantine protocols as directed, cleaning and maintaining exhibits, tanks, life support systems, and husbandry record keeping.
Understanding basic husbandry principles, including record keeping, life-support systems, water quality parameters, disease recognition, nutrition, and exhibit maintenance.
Overseeing animal stranding protocol and records for the GSTC and interfacing with the Department of Natural Resources.
Responsible for diet formulation and feeding schedules of the animals under the GSTC care.
Responsible for maintaining and safely operating the GTSC rehabilitation pavilion and exhibit Life Support Systems (LSS).
Responsible for specific facilities (e.g., Food Preparation Commissary, Pavilion) as assigned by the Rehabilitation Manager.
Participate in veterinary procedures, including necropsies, and accept euthanasia when necessary.
Troubleshoot and repair life support system-related problems
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and overtime, and be on-call for emergencies.
Performs “on-call” duties for rescue response, essential medical treatments, and animal health emergencies 24hr/day, 1-2 days/week, and when necessary.
Participates in public outreach and educational programming, including special tours, public and private education programs, and daily visitor interactions/educational interpretation. Ensures all appropriate GSTC animal medical records follow Georgia State Veterinary Medical Association rules and guidelines.
Ensures effective communication with all GSTC staff, the general visiting public, educational groups, researchers, and other agencies.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Rehabilitation Technician I: Experience in an American Zoo and Aquarium (AZA) accredited institution is preferred.
Requires a minimum of two years of experience working with exotic animals; prefers work experience in the zoo, aquarium, or rehabilitation field.
In addition to education, may consider any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform job responsibilities.
Experience in aquarium Life Support Systems design, installation, and maintenance preferred.
Experience in aquatic animal husbandry care is preferred.
Possess some knowledge of PVC plumbing and basic hand and power tools.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Rehabilitation Technician II:Minimum of three years of experience in an American Zoo and Aquarium (AZA) accredited institution.
In addition to education and certification, may consider any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform job responsibilities.
Experience in aquarium Life Support Systems design, installation, and maintenance is required.
Experience in aquatic animal husbandry care is required.
Possess advanced knowledge of PVC plumbing and basic hand and power tools.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Education & Experience
Rehabilitation Technician I: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
A Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Environmental Biology, Marine Biology, Conservation, etc.) is preferred.
Rehabilitation Technician II: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Environmental Biology, Marine Biology, Conservation, etc.) is required.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
Exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
More than 50% of the typical workday will be spent reaching, lifting, and repetitive use of wrists, hands, and fingers.
Between 25 and 50% of the day will be spent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and pulling.
Less than 25% of the day will be spent climbing, standing, sitting, walking, and feeling.
Sensory abilities require vision, hearing, and touching, with more than 50% of the day spent communicating, talking, and hearing.
Must have visual clarity to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
Work will be performed both inside and outside. Work is subject to extreme cold and extreme heat, and high humidity. Work includes exposure to vibrations, hazards, infectious diseases, and required to wear a respirator.
The noise level is considered normal to loud and may require shouting.
Working Conditions
Sensory abilities require vision, hearing, and touching, with more than 50% of the day spent communicating, talking, and hearing.
Must have visual clarity to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
Work will be performed both inside and outside. Work is subject to extreme cold and extreme heat, and high humidity. Work includes exposure to vibrations, hazards, infectious diseases, and required to wear a respirator.
The noise level is considered normal to loud and may require shouting.
Salary & Benefits
Status:
Regular, Full-time Employee
Pay:
$17.78 - $20.28 per hour (DOQ)
Reports to:
Rehabilitation Manager
Benefits:
Full benefits-eligible, Amenities, and Parking
Retirement:
Georgia State Retirement System (GSEPS)
