Position Description: 

The Avian Clinic Technician plays a crucial role in delivering excellent medical and rehabilitative care to a wide range of native raptor and shorebird species under the supervision of the Director of Avian Medicine and the Clinic Manager. This multifaceted position will support the ever-growing needs of the Avian Medical Clinic by performing a range of medical treatments and diagnostic procedures, monitoring anesthesia, participating in pre-release conditioning plans, and contributing to our understanding of wildlife conservation medicine. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Aid in the delivery of patient medical care under the supervision of the Director of Avian Medicine and the Clinic Manager, including fluid administration, venipuncture, radiographs, wound care, IV and IO catheter placement, feedings/nutritional support, and medication administration. 
• Perform diagnostic procedures including fecal analysis, manual CBC counts, blood lead testing, PCV and TP, and cytology. Input results into an online database promptly. 
• Participate in developing treatment and rehabilitation plans. 
• Triage patients, perform intake exams, and humanely euthanize animals when necessary in accordance with all Center, state, and federal regulations and protocols under the supervision of the Director of Avian Medicine. 
• Maintain excellent standards of husbandry and provide patient enrichment as appropriate. 
• Monitor patients under anesthesia and in recovery.
• Maintain accurate and timely records. 
• Assist the supervising veterinarian with routine and emergency health checkups for all education ambassadors. 
• Uphold high standards of biosecurity and maintain cleanliness and organization in the clinic and outdoor enclosures. 
• Collaborate with peers and supervisors on the creation of educational material and present at relevant conferences.
• Train volunteer staff and interns and contribute to the development of these programs. 
• Attend the injured bird dispatch phone line and coordinate rescue, transport, and release as assigned. 
• Collect research samples for relevant in-house and collaborative studies. 
• Act as an Ambassador for the Center and its mission; ensure compliance of the Center’s Medical Clinic with all local, state and federal policies and regulations. Aid in maintaining good relationships with affiliate institutions. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in an animal-related field, biology, wildlife ecology/conservation and a minimum of 2 years of related experience, OR certified veterinary technician training plus a minimum of two years’ related experience. Other equivalent experiences may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
• Strong observation skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment while maintaining high standards for patient care. 
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or emotionally challenging situations. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.  
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to instruct and supervise a diverse group of volunteers and interns. 
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively as part of a team.
• Flexible schedule; ability to work weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Suite: Word, Excel, Gmail, Drive.
• Willingness to learn new clinical techniques, participate in continuing education, and adapt to evolving protocols. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with medical care, rehabilitation and handling of raptors and other wildlife. 
• Knowledge of avian anatomy, physiology, and behaviour. 
• Demonstrated interest in wildlife medicine and conservation. 
• Familiarity with biosecurity principles, infectious disease prevention, quarantine procedures, and proper disinfection protocols in a hospital setting. 
• Experience with avian hematology and other various laboratory protocols. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while performing clinical and husbandry duties.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, balance, and reach. 
• Sufficient manual dexterity to safely catch and restrain birds of various sizes and perform diverse clinical tasks. 
• Ability and willingness to work in environments with potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, bites, scratches, dust, cleaning products and allergens.
• Ability to work in an indoor and outdoor environment including exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and weather conditions. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The Avian Conservation Center/The Center for Birds of Prey affords equal opportunity to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state or local law