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Job Title: Conservation and Recovery Specialist
Department: Conservation and Recovery
Reports To: Conservation and Recovery Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Effective Date: September 2025
White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature. The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary's River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 22,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property. Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.
White Oak Mission:
Saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable populations, expanding education initiatives, and responsible land stewardship.
Job Summary:
The Conservation and Recovery Specialist will perform as a member of the White Oak team to achieve exceptional animal care and facility care standards in their area of focus to sustain and grow White Oak's species recovery programs and achieve its conservation goals. This position is focused on avian and canid recovery programs, with possible engagement with other taxa, such as amphibians.
Essential Duties:
o Participates in the daily care of the animals to promote a naturally enriching environment; including diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, medicating, observing, and training.
o Participates in animal restraint, incubation/hatching, animal transfers, introductions, operant conditioning, assisted-reproduction in cranes, and passerine mist-netting.
o Participates in and assists with area research projects.
o Maintains and cares for surrounding areas to ensure a natural environment and ecological health.
o Fosters department delivery of guest engagement programs featuring wildlife populations.
o Assists veterinarian staff with animal care procedures, treatments and sample collection, as directed by area supervisor.
o Keeps Florida grasshopper sparrow breeding documents up to date throughout breeding season.
o Creates hatch, nest fail and other breeding related calendar alerts to help monitor diet changes and consumption, as well as to monitor breeding behavior.
o Notifies supervisor of facility maintenance, equipment, supplies, and animal feed needs.
o Assists with minor animal care facilities maintenance including: mowing, weed eating, netting, pressure washing, dirt and substrate work, limb pick up, and minor repairs.
o Organizes, preps, and conducts controlled burns on property.
o Prepares burn plans for controlled burns conducted on property; documents action reports.
o Maintains records and reports related to wildlife.
o Collects, maintains, organizes, and assembles data and spreadsheets for accurate analysis.
o Assists Leads with program data and statistical analysis for scientific publications.
o Maintains, cleans and organizes work and break areas, food storage, food prep, vehicles and equipment.
o Conducts camera trapping operation, maintenance, and review.
o Conducts the daily care of several invertebrate prey species and collection of wild invertebrate prey species.
o Observes and ensures area safety protocol, safe vehicle and equipment operation.
o Applies herbicide application and performs other needed pest management activities.
o Assists with intern training and mentoring.
o Participates in trainings including animal husbandry and management, ZIMS record keeping, research, conservation and recovery projects, chainsaw operation, venomous snake handling, and other education projects.
The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management or related field, preferred.
• Minimum of one year of animal/wildlife experience.
• Species conservation or recovery program experience, preferred.
• Experience with animal husbandry practices such as feeding, cleaning, medicating, and enrichment.
• Canid experience, preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and record keeping.
• Ability to operate small machinery and farm equipment safely.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work outdoors, in variable conditions.
• Occasional work on holidays or weekends.
• Highly collaborative and team oriented.
• Passion for White Oak's mission and genuine appreciation for wildlife and conservation
Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions:
• Must have valid Florida or Georgia drivers' license.
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects, climb a 5-foot ladder and work outdoors in all conditions
• Must be able to work holidays, nights and weekends when required.
White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.