What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wildlife & Exotics Coordinator position at Houston Humane Society?
Position Overview:
The Wildlife & Exotics Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the daily care, husbandry, rehabilitation, and welfare of exotic animals, ambassador animals, and native wildlife patients within the Wildlife & Exotics program. This position focuses heavily on exotic animal care and management while also supporting wildlife rehabilitation efforts, quarantine protocols, medical treatments, enclosure maintenance, and team coordination.
This role provides hands-on care for a wide variety of species including reptiles, birds, small mammals, and other nontraditional pets, while helping ensure animals receive high-quality care, appropriate enrichment, and safe placement or release outcomes. The Coordinator also assists with staff, volunteer, and intern guidance and helps develop and implement protocols that support excellent animal welfare standards.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide high standards of husbandry and daily care for exotic animals, ambassador animals, and wildlife rehabilitation patients
- Prepare and maintain species-appropriate diets, enrichment, habitats, aviaries, and enclosures
- Develop, implement, and update SOPs for commonly admitted exotic species and wildlife patients
- Monitor animal health and behavior and maintain accurate medical and husbandry records
- Assist with transport and restraint for veterinary exams, as needed
- Help establish and maintain effective quarantine and biosecurity protocols, particularly for reptiles, birds, and other nontraditional species
- Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of all animal areas, habitats, and equipment
- Assist with setup, takedown, maintenance, and repair of enclosures and animal spaces.
- Support horticulture and habitat maintenance within animal areas
- Coordinate and oversee the safe release of rehabilitated native wildlife when appropriate.
- Provide husbandry coverage across departments as needed
- Interact professionally with staff, volunteers, interns, fosters, and guests
- Help ensure facility safety and security by following established protocols and best practices
- Assist in evaluating intake and capacity levels to ensure sustainable animal care standards
- Communicate effectively with coworkers and leadership regarding animal care concerns and operational needs
- Assist the Wildlife & Exotics Manager with directing and supporting team members and volunteers
- Participate in educational and ambassador animal programming as needed
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Qualifications Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, animal science, wildlife management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience may substitute for education
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with exotic animals, wildlife rehabilitation, or nontraditional companion animals preferred
- Experience with reptile, avian, and small mammal husbandry strongly preferred.
- Experience maintaining aviaries or specialized exotic habitats preferred
- Knowledge of quarantine procedures, zoonotic disease prevention, and exotic animal handling
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to safely operate basic tools and equipment including mowers, weed eaters, and other maintenance equipment
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
- Ability to work outdoors and in hot, humid conditions for extended periods
- Ability to lift, carry, and restrain animals and supplies safely