Wildlife Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $17.50 - $21.61 Hourly
Location : Laredo College, Laredo, TX 78040
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 00865
Division: Institutional Advancement
Department: Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Center
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 11:59 PM Central
Pay Grade: 206
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Wildlife Technician reports directly to the Wildlife Education Coordinator, is responsible wildlife care, assisting with maintaining and developing all exhibits at the Environmental Science Center, grounds keeping, and for assisting with activities among the various groups and organizations associated with the Environmental Science Center. Laredo College policies are available online (www.laredo.edu) for official use. The Institutional Advancement (IA) Division Protocol are office procedures and recommendations for the IA Division set forth by the Vice President of Institutional Advancement. These procedures and college policies must be adhered to at all times. In addition, a confidentiality agreement should be signed every year on NEOED.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

1. Has knowledge and expertise in caring for plant and animal species used in living exhibits and rehabilitation care.
2. Is experienced in maintaining freshwater/saltwater aquariums and enclosures for fish and other aquatic species along with mammals, reptiles and avian species.
3. Is responsible for ensuring that all living specimens used in exhibits be treated in a humane manner according to the 31 Texas Administrative Code §69 Subchapter C, Subchapter J and Park and Wildlife Code Chapter 43 Subchapter C along with knowledge of animal behavior and the requirements for maintaining healthy animals.
4. Is responsible in the maintenance and reporting of all exhibits.
5. Manage the inventory of supplies, medications, and ensure their availability for daily operations.
6. Provides daily reports, but not limited to, feeding, cleaning, maintenance, and others assigned by the Director.
7. Cleans, vacuums, checks filter pumps, and performs other duties related to pool maintenance.
8. Mows lawns and power mower; trims weed and grass with weed eater; and edges lawns with gas or electric edger.
9. Sweeps, trims, paints or cleans sidewalks, pathways, steps and other outdoor surfaces to maintain a clean and safe environment as needed.
10. Sweeps, mops and scrub floors using broom, dust mop, and other electrical driven cleaning tool as needed.
11. Practices safe animal handling techniques to prevent injury to animals and individuals, maintaining a calm, clean, and controlled environment at all times.
12. Trains work studies and volunteers in the appropriate methods and techniques for maintaining exhibits.
13. Assist with the development of new exhibits as the need arises.
14. Provides presentations at schools and guided tours.
15. Willingness to upgrade skills by attending workshops and short courses.
16. Other duties as assigned by Director.

Qualifications/Certifications/Licenses/Skills
NOTICE: Required Documents
To be considered for this position, you are required to upload your unofficial transcript. If recommended for this position an official transcript(s) will be required. If a license or certificate is required for this position, upload proof of your current license/certificate.
Required:

• Associate degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology, or related field with 2-year wildlife handling experience and enclosure maintenance experience.
• Minimum two-year wildlife handling, experience in a work setting that requires facilities management and interpersonal skills.
• International Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition Basic Training Certificate. (LC may provide support to obtain this certification).
• CPR/AED First Aid Certificate and CPR/First Aid for mammalians or must be received within 9 months of hire. (LC may provide support to obtain this certification).
• Must obtain Food Handler Certificate from the City of Laredo. (LC may provide support to obtain this certification).
• Must have a valid Driver's License and current car insurance to travel as required. In accordance with CJ (Local) while driving on College District business, employees are required to abide by all applicable laws, rules, regulations ordinances, policies, and procedures.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology, or related field with 1-year wildlife/ domestic handling and enclosure maintenance experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. A professional disposition is required at all times.
2. Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.
3. Strong customer service and community relations skills.
4. Ability to use personal computer and various word processing and spreadsheet software programs which includes MS Office Suite, Zoom, TEAMS, One Drive, Google Drive and the internet to promote efficiency.
5. Must be able to multi-task.
6. Must be able to adapt and work well under pressure.
7. Must be able to exercise good judgment, maintain a positive attitude, and work in a fast-paced environment.
8. Must have aquarium, plant and animal care, and outdoor/indoor facility maintenance experience.
9. Proven excellent organizational skills, ability to pay attention to detail, handle multiple tasks simultaneously and shift priorities as needed.
10. Ability to communicate effectively in a friendly, empathetic, and professional manner.
11. Must have superior cleanliness habits.
12. Must be patient, enthusiastic, efficient, and able to problem-solve.
13. The ability to effectively supervise others and to maintain a high level of professional responsibility is essential.
14. Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc.) and social media platforms.
15. Must be professional at all times.
16. All personnel is expected to keep their work area and shared facilities clean and free of waste and be well organized at all times.
17. Ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner.
18. Good customer service and community relation skills.
19. Ability to organize, coordinate, and supervise various activities.
20. Knowledge of basic accounting skills.

Additional Information
Introductory Review PeriodAll hires are subject to a 90 day introductory review period.
Supervision Exercised
Supervises Wildlife Technician Assistant, volunteer workers, and work-study students.
Supervision Received
Reports to the Director or Wildlife Education Coordinator and Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit.
The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
Must work in varying climates and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold). Outside work encompass being exposed to all types of weather, noise, and vibration from equipment. Trail work consists of clearing debris, cutting grass, moving equipment and beautifying trail. Outdoor animal pen cleaning consists of picking up animal waste, cutting/clipping grass or weed and arranging to obtain suitable habitats. Inside work will encompass cleaning animal tanks and keeping clean for center visits.
Safety
Required to work safely and follow safety rules. Report unsafe working conditions and behavior. Take reasonable and prudent actions to prevent others from engaging in unsafe practices. Rabies and tetanus shots are required.
Special Conditions
The immediate supervisor may assign other duties. May be required to work outside regular working hours, as needed, including working evenings, weekends and holidays. May be required to work at various college campuses, work sites, and other venues where college events are held.
EEO Statement
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Laredo College is open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, or national origin who are otherwise eligible for admission as students. Furthermore, Laredo College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and no applicant or employee will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability or national origin. This institution will not enter knowingly into any contractual agreement for services or supplies with any firm failing to follow fair employment practices.
Foreign Degrees
Foreign degrees require an evaluation for United States equivalency from an approved stated education agency or having membership with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Transcripts issued outside the United States of America require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached to your online application at the time of applying. For your convenience, we have provided the following links to assist you in complying with this requirement. However, you may use any other certified transcript evaluation service. http://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Certification/Out-of-State_Certification/Foreign_Credential_Evaluation_Services/ http://www.naces.org/members.htm
Disclaimer
The above description is an overview of the job. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities of the job, nor is it intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Duties and responsibilities may change with business needs. LC reserves the right to add, change, amend, or delete portions of this job description at any time, with or without notice. Employees may be required to perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made by LC as its discretion to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Laredo College offers a comprehensive benefit package.
01
Laredo College requires a background check for all positions which means a Criminal Background Check andreferences are required. Are you willing to have such checks conducted in order to be considered for employment?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have the required education as stated in the job description?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have the required experience as per the job description?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you meet the qualifications as stated in the job description?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have a valid State Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

Required Question