POSITION TITLE: Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Specialist - this is a mid level ppsition requiring 2 years of experience at a minimum
REPORTS TO: Rehabilitation Manager
EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non-exempt
PERCENTAGE OF FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT: 100%
SUPERVISES: Volunteers and Interns
PERMANENT/SEASONAL/TEMPORARY: Permanent
LOCATION: On-Site
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:
Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Specialist will support all aspects of the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation program as identified by the veterinarian, in accordance with state and federal policy, as well as provide care for any animal that enters rehabilitation.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Perform the daily operations of sea turtle rehabilitation or any other animal under rehab care, including but not limited to medical care, record keeping, diet preparation, enclosure/area maintenance, and release efforts
- Ensure that all sea turtle rehabilitation activities are conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the marine turtle permit described in the Florida Administrative Code Rule 68E-1.004 and the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook (2016) as an authorized person identified on any Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) marine turtle permit
- Demonstrate understanding of the field of aquatic animal health, including common diseases and treatments, general husbandry, environmental quality, zoonotic diseases, and conservation issues
- Assist with post-mortem examinations on rehabilitation patients. This includes, but is not limited to, carcass recovery, documentation, gross examination, tissue collection, generating necropsy reports, and carcass disposal
- Assist in veterinary procedures and surgeries as needed
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of water quality and life support
- Complete necessary administrative tasks within the department
- Supervise the volunteer and internship programs as it pertains to rehabilitation
- Maintain equipment and facility supplies such as vehicles, work surfaces, pools etc.
- Coordinate and implement appropriate responses to animal emergencies in accordance with veterinary direction and established protocols
- Assist CMA departments in providing information for the communication outlets within CMA such as social media and public media
- Ability to comfortably provide outreach, guest engagement, formal and informal public presentations, workshops, trainings to ensure an educational guest experience
- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment
- Provide a safe working environment for animals, team members, and guests
- Perform other duties as workload necessitates
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- BS or BA degree with emphasis on Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology or related science prefered
- Minimum 2 years in animal care/rehabilitation experience with emphasis in marine animal care and lab related tasks/duties; or equivalent experience
- Ability to obtain a Florida driverโs license
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, nights, and holidays as needed; must be able to share a 24/7 on-call schedule
- Ability to communicate clearly both in writing and verbally and follow complex instructions
- Ability to take initiative and work independently in the absence of supervision
- Familiarity with electronic record systems specifically Tracks is preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Lift up to 50lbs to waist level - Frequently
- Lift up to 20lbs to shoulders and above head - Frequently
- Walk/stand for long periods of time - Frequently
- Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces - Frequently
- Safely climb ladders when needed - Frequently
- Squat, bend, kneel, twist and reach - Frequently
- Reach above the shoulders - Frequently
- Push and pull larger equipment - Frequently
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather - Frequently
- Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat - Frequently
- Able to pass a swim test - Annually
- Able to drive vehicles for extended periods of time โ Occasionally
Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.
All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws).
A statement of โpermanentโ position is not a guarantee of employment. It simply means the role has no set end date. In Florida, employment is "at-will" by default, meaning either party can terminate the relationship at any time for any legal reason and as such continued employment remains on an โat-willโ basis.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.