Wildlife Associate - Part Time

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of its citizens."

The ideal candidate must be comfortable with handling wildlife animals! They will play a pivotal role in assisting with the intake of wildlife that comes to our Willowbrook Wildlife Center and providing information to the public. Coming soon is also the construction of our new animal rehabilitation facility!

Job Summary

This position acts as the front line for handling public service and animal admissions as well as performing administrative duties and providing clerical support to the department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greet and provide information to clients, customers, the public, and other internal and external contacts regarding District rules, policies, and activities. Register customers for programs, issue permits, sell merchandise, and accept and process payments. Schedule appointments and take messages.
• Perform administrative support by utilizing word processing, spreadsheets, and database software packages. Operate a variety of office equipment. Attend meetings and take minutes.
• Compose and type correspondence. Perform data entry. Create and maintain records and filing systems. Process, deliver, and respond to mail. Assist with research and document preparation. Collect data for reports.
• Receive and relay or resolve complaints per department policy, practices, and procedures.
• Order and receive equipment and supplies. Maintain inventory and reconcile invoicing. Process work orders.
• Provide instruction, training, and guidance to assigned volunteers and staff.
• Assist with budget preparation and financial reporting. Prepare requisitions.
• Assist with the coordination of events for the facility.
• Answer the wildlife hotline and provide detailed technical information on natural history, humane wildlife deterrent techniques, evaluations, and recommendations related to injured, ill, and orphaned wildlife.
• Admit wildlife patients and perform the intake process, including obtaining information from finders, creating charts, and handling wildlife.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
• High School Diploma/GED, less than 1 year of related experience in wildlife animal care and rehabilitation, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Valid Driver's License in good standing.
• Must have and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).
• Must have and maintain Illinois Mandated Reporter certification or obtain upon hire (training provided).
• Experience with training other seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of animal characteristics, behavior, and care.
• Knowledge of safe handling and restraining practices.
• Familiarity with observing and controlling a variety of wildlife.
• Knowledge of native wildlife species, behavior, and rehabilitation techniques.
• Ability to use a variety of equipment and tools for maintenance of items.
• Effective in establishing and maintaining productive workplace relationships.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and organized records.

Schedule: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday through Wednesday.

Work Environment: This position requires working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Frequent requirements to move supplies with exposure to wildlife, insects, and medical equipment.

Pay: $18.91 - 20.67 per hour.

Location: Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.