Wildlife Technician

Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Wildlife Technician reports directly to the Wildlife Education Coordinator, is responsible wildlife care, assisting with maintaining and developing all exhibits at the Environmental Science Center, grounds keeping, and for assisting with activities among the various groups and organizations associated with the Environmental Science Center. Laredo College policies are available online (www.laredo.edu) for official use. The Institutional Advancement (IA) Division Protocol are office procedures and recommendations for the IA Division set forth by the Vice President of Institutional Advancement. These procedures and college policies must be adhered to at all times.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

1. Has knowledge and expertise in caring for plant and animal species used in living exhibits and rehabilitation care.
2. Is experienced in maintaining freshwater/saltwater aquariums and enclosures for fish and other aquatic species, along with mammals, reptiles, and avian species.
3. Is responsible for ensuring that all living specimens used in exhibits be treated in a humane manner according to the 31 Texas Administrative Code §69 Subchapter C, Subchapter J, and Park and Wildlife Code Chapter 43 Subchapter C along with knowledge of animal behavior and the requirements for maintaining healthy animals.
4. Is responsible in the maintenance and reporting of all exhibits.
5. Manage the inventory of supplies, medications, and ensure their availability for daily operations.
6. Provides daily reports, but not limited to, feeding, cleaning, maintenance, and others assigned by the Director.
7. Cleans, vacuums, checks filter pumps, and performs other duties related to pool maintenance.
8. Mows lawns and power mower; trims weed and grass with weed eater; and edges lawns with gas or electric edger.
9. Sweeps, trims, paints, or cleans sidewalks, pathways, steps, and other outdoor surfaces to maintain a clean and safe environment as needed.
10. Sweeps, mops, and scrub floors using broom, dust mop, and other electrical driven cleaning tool as needed.
11. Trains work studies and volunteers in the appropriate methods and techniques for maintaining exhibits.
12. Assist with the development of new exhibits as the need arises.
13. Work on weekends and/or during holidays as needed.
14. Provides presentations at schools and guided tours.
15. Willingness to upgrade skills by attending workshops and short courses.
16. Other duties as assigned by Director.

Qualifications/Certifications/Licenses/Skills

NOTICE: Required Documents

To be considered for this position, you are required to upload your unofficial transcript. If recommended for this position an official transcript(s) will be required. If a license or certificate is required for this position, upload proof of your current license/certificate.

Required:

• Associate degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology, or related field with 2-year wildlife handling experience.
• Minimum two-year wildlife handling experience in a work setting that requires facilities management and interpersonal skills.
• International Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition Basic Training Certificate (LC may provide support to obtain this certification). Must have CPR/AED certificate and CPR/First Aid for mammalians or must be received within 9 months of hire. Must obtain Food Handler Certificate from the City of Laredo. Must have a valid Drivers License and current car insurance to travel as required. In accordance with CJ (Local) while driving on College District business, employees are required to abide by all applicable laws, rules, regulations ordinances, policies, and procedures.

Preferred:

• Bachelors degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology, or related field with 1-year wildlife handling experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A professional disposition is required at all times.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.
• Strong customer service and community relations skills.
• Ability to use personal computer and various word processing and spreadsheet software programs which includes MS Office Suite, Zoom, TEAMS, One Drive, Google Drive and the internet to promote efficiency.
• Must be able to multi-task.
• Must be able to adapt and work well under pressure.
• Must be able to exercise good judgment, maintain a positive attitude, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have aquarium, plant and animal care, and outdoor/indoor facility maintenance experience.
• Proven excellent organizational skills, ability to pay attention to detail, handle multiple tasks simultaneously and shift priorities as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a friendly, empathetic, and professional manner.
• Must have superior cleanliness habits.
• Must be patient, enthusiastic, efficient, and able to problem-solve.
• The ability to effectively supervise others and to maintain a high level of professional responsibility is essential.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc.) and social media platforms.
• Must be professional at all times.
• All personnel is expected to keep their work area and shared facilities clean and free of waste and be well organized at all times.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Good customer service and community relation skills.
• Ability to organize, coordinate, and supervise various activities.
• Knowledge of basic accounting skills.

Additional Information

Supervision Exercised

Supervises Wildlife Technician Assistant, volunteer workers, and work-study students.

Supervision Received

Reports to the Director or Wildlife Education Coordinator and Vice President of Institutional Advancement.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a standard office environment. Work-inside a well-lighted and air-conditioned area most of the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Safety

Required to work safely and follow safety rules. Report unsafe working conditions and behavior. Take reasonable and prudent actions to prevent others from engaging in unsafe practices.

Special Conditions

Immediate supervisor may assign other duties. May be required to work outside regular working hours, as needed. May be required to work at a different college work site or campus as needed.