Wildlife Rehabilitation Veterinary Technician (Certified RVT)

Part-Time Wildlife Rehabilitation Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Summary:  The Wildlife Rehabilitation Veterinary Technician (RVT) provides medical and rehabilitative care to injured, orphaned, and ill native Ohio wildlife under the direction of the Operational Director and the consulting veterinarians. This position plays a vital role in all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation, including emergency triage, treatment, patient monitoring, husbandry, recordkeeping, volunteer support, and regulatory compliance.

The RVT collaborates with veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers to ensure the highest standard of animal care while maintaining compliance with Ohio Division of Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DEA, and OSHA regulations.

Note: The duties listed below represent the range of responsibilities within the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic. Responsibilities may be assigned among staff members to ensure appropriate coverage based on operational needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Wildlife rehabilitator RVT’s have a wide range of responsibilities which can include:

Animal Care 

• Perform patient intake, triage, initial examinations, and implement veterinarian-approved treatment and rehabilitation protocols. 

• Administer medications and treatments, including oral medications, injections, gavage feeding, fluid therapy, wound management, and use of diagnostic equipment.

• Assist with anesthesia, surgical procedures, radiography, and patient recovery.

• Monitor patients daily for changes in health, body condition, weight, behavior, and recovery progress.

• Provide species-appropriate housing, enrichment, and environmental management.

• Prepare and distribute specialized diets and fresh water according to patient needs.

• Maintain clean, sanitary, and biosecure patient enclosures.

• Coordinate releases with approved release-site contacts when necessary.

• Accurately identify native Ohio wildlife species and provide care in compliance with Ohio Division of Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DEA, and other applicable regulations. 

• Assists seasonal staff in orphan program management and support

• Assist homecare with supply needs

• Accurately tracks patient admission, treatment and transfer data into permit-required systems

• Monitor medical, husbandry, dietary, and cleaning supply inventories and notify the Operational Director when replenishment, maintenance, or equipment replacement is needed. 

• Perform humane euthanasia in accordance with established protocols.

• Clean and maintain clinic treatment areas, rehabilitation spaces, kitchen, reception areas, and equipment.

• Ensure all clinic equipment and tools remain clean, functional, and safe.

• Maintain a safe working environment for staff, volunteers, patients, and visitors by following OSHA and organizational safety standards.

Medical Support

• Supervise Columbus State Veterinary Technician interns during clinical rotations.

• Assist the Veterinarian during examinations, diagnostics, surgeries, and medical procedures.

• Collect laboratory samples for diagnostic testing.

• Assist with wildlife health studies and biological sample collection.

• Serve as the Radiation Safety Officer by maintaining radiation safety compliance, monitoring dosimetry, coordinating required inspections, and ensuring adherence to radiation safety protocols.

Required Abilities and Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced medical environment.

• Experience in conflict resolution and strong creative problem-solving skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

• Ability to remain calm and effective during emergency situations.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic medical record systems.

• Working knowledge of wildlife rehabilitation principles and species-specific husbandry.

• Communicate professionally and compassionately with volunteers, interns, veterinary professionals, the public, and organizational partners while representing Ohio Wildlife Center. 

• Assist with the Wildlife Information Line by providing accurate, species-appropriate guidance to the public regarding injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife.

• Educate the public on wildlife conservation, coexistence, and injury prevention.

• Physically fit; able to lift 50 pounds and no aversion to inclement weather

• Obtain rabies vaccinations (upon employment) and maintain titers

• Clean background check, valid Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license and good driving record

• Understanding of the laws of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio Division of Wildlife, and animal regulations of local municipalities

• Maintain professional appearance (includes wearing appropriate, well-kept uniform)

• Adhere to policies and operating standards of Ohio Wildlife Center

• Adaptability to work with diverse wildlife species in changing indoor and outdoor environments, including inclement weather. 

• Demonstrate commitment to Ohio Wildlife Center's mission, Core Values, and organizational policies.

• Participate in fundraising activities and organizational events.

• Contribute to internal reports, publications, and wildlife health research when appropriate.

• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and continuing education opportunities.

• Assist other departments and team members as operational needs require.

• Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional travel as required.

• Perform additional duties as assigned