Jobs At SBWCN

Reports to: Rehabilitation Director 

Status: Seasonal, Non-Exempt: Full-Time and Part-Time positions

Salary:  $16.90 per hour

Term:  16 weeks ending no later than September 30th 2026

Summary

Under the direction of the Rehabilitation Director, the Animal Care Assistant coordinates the daily rehabilitation needs of patients in care, helps direct volunteers and interns, and helps maintain a clean and safe environment all while upholding Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Networks mission statement and policies. 

Essential Duties

Works as a team member with staff, interns, and volunteers to respond to public questions and concerns regarding injured/orphaned wildlife, etc. 

Maintains the cleanliness and organization of all things at the Wildlife Center so that the center is kept spotlessly clean and sanitary to meet the standards for an animal hospital. This includes, but is not limited to, sterilization of equipment, upkeep of the kitchen, laundry, bathroom, and removal of trash and recycling all on a daily basis. 

Keeping all sections of the grounds clean and organized. 

Cleaning crates, net bottoms, pools, etc according to policies and protocols. 

Keeping up with washing dishes and doing laundry.

Sweeping and mopping floors in all rooms/buildings. 

Provides the proper and humane husbandry and handling of all wildlife at the center. 

Maintain high standards of cleanliness in enclosures at all times, demonstrating proper use of cleaning/disinfecting chemicals and equipment. 

Ensure all species are housed appropriately and in accordance with the standards of care. 

Demonstrate the ability to safely and properly handle and restrain a variety of species. 

Implements food preparation and feeding schedules for all wildlife at the center to provide adequate nutritional balance and weight maintenance.

Prepare meals for animals according to specified protocols including any specific dietary needs and adhere to the feeding schedule. 

Keep all kitchen spaces clean and disinfected.

Properly store and label all foods, including formulas, live insects, etc.

Assists with first aid and after-care treatment to injured and sick wildlife at the center, which include, but are not limited to: properly bathing oil-soaked birds/mammals; immobilizing fractures; fluid therapy; administering medications; special diets; etc. This includes alerting the veterinary care team to medical cases. 

Complete OWCN on-line training.

Responsible for assisting with intake examinations of new arrival animals including cleaning and dressing wounds, applying wing and stabilization wraps, WRMD data entry, setting up enclosure, starting feed sheet and any other necessary paperwork for said patient.

Alert veterinary staff of any new issues (i.e. changes in behavior, wounds, etc.)

*Seasonal Animal Care staff that are deemed qualified by the organization’s management might be able to learn how to perform an initial exam, collect blood samples, administer medications, and give subcutaneous and/or intravenous fluids. 

Environment:

While performing the duties of this job at SBWCN the animal care assistant will be exposed to different odors, noise, temperatures, various chemicals, and hazardous materials (such as petroleum based products). Exposure to zoonotic disease is possible whenever working with wildlife. 

Animal Care Staff must have a positive attitude, be willing to adapt to new situations and changing case loads, and possess an ongoing curiosity for learning new techniques for the care of animals. Animal Care Staff must display good judgment; application of common sense is critical for the safety and well being of all workers, and the animals in the care of the organization. 

Qualifications:

Ability to read, write, comprehend, and apply detailed animal care protocols. 

Effectively communicate information on both an individual basis and group situations and have excellent interpersonal skills for interactions with volunteers, other employees, governing agencies, outside members of the public, and other rehabilitation centers.

Possess basic mathematical skills with the ability to work with different units of measurement.

Basic computer knowledge. 

Capacity and interest to continuously work on improving animal care skills and developing emergency response capacities.

Familiarity with California wildlife.

Preferred Qualifications:

Past work in a wildlife rehabilitation clinic.

Familiarity with the Incident Command System and Oiled Wildlife Care Network protocols.

Rabies vaccinated or willing to become rabies vaccinated. 

Wildlife rehabilitation skills including rescue and transport, performing physical examinations, patient triage, nutrition plan development, patient housing, and basic medical skills (administering injections, basic wound/fracture management, gavage, fluid therapy, pain management and euthanasia)

Requirements

Employees are exposed to moving parts, zoonotic diseases, aggressive/feral animals, toxic/caustic chemicals, and radiography equipment.

Ability to lift and move items up to 40lbs.

Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. 

Ability to stand, speak, and listen for long periods of time (hours)

Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and ability to use hands/arms to palpate, handle, feel, reach, and lift/move up to 40 pounds

Must be able to move about the center for hours, ascend/descend stairs, transport equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds, and position oneself into tight spaces, low areas, or on the ground to perform facility maintenance and animal care/husbandry

Must be able to handle and restrain various sized avian and mammal species

Must have good near, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as good depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Must be able to catch/restrain a variety of different animals safely. 

Energy, flexibility, and resilience with an ability to deal with difficult or unforeseen problems, remain calm, and not give up.

Vaccination requirements: Covid 19 and Tetanus.

Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies.

Positive attitude and excitement for teamwork

Additional Provisions

In the event of an oil spill, this position may be asked to take on oil spill-related duties outside of general business. In CA oil spills, this position may be put on the OWCN payroll and paid in accordance with OWCN approved rates. This will be done only with prior agreement with the Executive Director and the OWCN and you will be informed of those rates at the time of the spill.

To Apply

Please send your cover letter and resume to contact@sbwcn.org

Please indicate if you are applying for a full-time or a part-time position. 

Compensation: $22-28/hr commensurate with experience

Location: Onsite at the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network office in Goleta, CA

Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network (SBWCN) is the only general wildlife rehabilitation facility in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. From hummingbirds to pelicans to raccoons, SBWCN works 7 days a week to rescue and rehabilitate wild animals that have been orphaned, injured, or oiled and then release them back into the wild.  Volunteers are critical to the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of wild animals every year and between 150-200 people regularly volunteer to answer phones, go on rescue missions, wash dishes and laundry, prepare diets, and care for animals. SBWCN relies on the generosity of volunteers to keep up with the sheer amount of work required to care for hundreds of animals at a time. SBWCN is full of compassionate people who work hard for a great cause. 

The Training and Recruitment Coordinator, is an hourly, non-exempt position that works under the leadership of the Director of Operations and the Director of Rehabilitation. They are responsible for recruiting and training volunteers in general volunteer tasks. This position may be required to work on some evenings and weekends as needed. 

This person will provide floating support to full-time and part-time staff (regular and seasonal) in Seabird, Songbird, and Mammal departments.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned as appropriate.)

Recruiting

• Develops, promotes, and maintains a wide range of volunteer opportunities within the organization
• Recruits, interviews, and places applicants for volunteer work
• Develops and maintains relationships with other volunteer organizations within the area
• Hosts and supports volunteer recruiting at community events to attract qualified candidates.  Works with SBWCN Communications Manager and professional associations to publicize opportunities for volunteers

Job Knowledge

• Surveys staff periodically to assess needs for volunteer assistance
• Knowledge of all tasks related to basic animal husbandry and tasks completed by volunteers to assist and perform animal husbandry tasks
• Maintains Volunteer Service Descriptions for each volunteer assignment
• Ensures volunteers are staffed to support the various areas of animal care operations.

Training

• Coordinator is responsible for volunteer recruitment, training, and evaluation
• Physically trains volunteers and interns to learn basic tasks at Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network
• Arranges and conducts volunteer orientation and training
• Develops and manages volunteer policies, procedures, and standards of volunteer service Assess visitor feedback received through comment forms
• Maintains accurate records and assists in development of timely statistical and activity reports on volunteer participation
• Takes initiative to promote SBWCN volunteer opportunities and align volunteers with needs at the Wildlife Care Center. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Scheduling and Communications

• Manage online volunteer sign-up sheets and create/update training materials as needed
• Schedules all volunteer activities for animal care.
• Problem solves gaps in the volunteer schedule
• Provides ongoing support and guidance for volunteers
• Acts as a single point of contact for volunteer communications
• Confers with volunteers and Rehabilitation Director/Director of Operations to promote cooperation and interest
• Serve as a liaison between volunteers and animal care staff members
• Facilitates distribution of information relevant to volunteers; Creates and distributes various communications and publications via the volunteer organizing platform (Get Connected) and e-newsletter (MailChimp)
• Conducts tours as needed or requested for prospective volunteers and interns
• Participates in team meetings as needed 
• Identifies community outreach opportunities such as fairs, festivals, local markets and organizations
• Maintains schedule of volunteer opportunities
• Posts weekly Volunteer Schedules and manages any shift changes and notifications to staff on volunteer assignments. 
• Works proactively with staff to provide accurate information and assistance to the volunteer
• Trains volunteers to use office and specialized equipment when appropriate, coordinated with any other relevant staff. 
• Informs Communications Director when information needs to be added to the donor management system. 
• Builds relationships with groups through service and follow up communication that results in return group visits
• Conducts post-visit calls to track successes and identify problems so that relationships are maintained and system improvements are made.
• Help to Coordinate volunteer appreciation events and opportunities, and generally plan for volunteer perks and appreciation. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

General Qualifications

Must be willing to undergo onsite training to work with the various species generally encountered at the Wildlife Center.

Prior animal handling and care experience is preferred. Experience working with wildlife is ideal.

Must be responsible, professional and able to work effectively with minimal supervision once training has progressed. 

Stay curious and excited about new protocols and treatments for wildlife. 

Proven supervisory skills, including the ability to motivate volunteers and develop a positive team environment.

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Willing and able to work collaboratively and cooperatively with others to solve problems constructively and resolve conflicts.

Must demonstrate self-motivation and good interpersonal communication skills.  

Must be able to multitask, and work well under fast-paced and sometimes stressful conditions.

Willingness and ability to adjust tasks in accordance with changing priorities and deadlines.

Must be able to move about the center for hours, ascend/descend stairs, transport equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 pounds, and position oneself into tight spaces, low areas, or on the ground to perform training demonstrations and assist animal care staff as needed. 

Remain current in general office technology

Stays curious about changing animal care needs, new ways to train volunteers, and methods for communicating information. 

Work Environment

This is a position in an animal care facility and wildlife hospital. While performing the duties of this position the employee will be exposed to odors, noise, and in the vicinity of a variety of wild birds, mammals, and reptiles and hazardous material (such as petroleum products during an oil spill). Employees may also be exposed to moving parts, radiography equipment, and there is a risk of potential exposure to zoonotic diseases.

How to Apply

Please send cover letter, resume, and three references to contact@sbwcn.org please put "Training and Recruitment Coordinator" in the subject line of your email.