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Relief Rehabilitator (AH Pro 1-Clinical Vet Care)

University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States


About the Job
This is a temporary, full-time position with an anticipated duration of six months. The appointment duration may be adjusted or extended based on business needs.

The essential functions of the job include tasks that advance The Raptor Center’s (TRC) mission of service by efficiently and effectively assisting with the care of wild raptors admitted to TRC’s hospital. This role focuses on those birds that have completed medical treatment and have entered the rehabilitation phase of care.

For each of these birds, the Relief Rehabilitator assists with the daily care, captive management, flight reconditioning, and pre‑release preparations, ensuring a high standard of patient care is maintained for all individuals. The Relief Rehabilitator also assists with the care, management, renesting, and fostering of all juvenile raptors admitted during baby season, March‑August.

The ability to work well with a team and strong communication skills are important components of the position. The Relief Rehabilitator routinely works with and trains volunteers to complete patient‑care tasks, interacts with the general public, and trains student employees.

This position requires flexibility in working hours as needed to cover patient care needs during periods of high caseload and holidays.

Location and work environment: In‑person at The Raptor Center Clinic.

Work schedule: This is a full‑time temporary position averaging 40 hours per week. Standard scheduling consists of five 8‑hour shifts per week between 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM, with the possibility of adjusting to four 10‑hour shifts when required. Overtime must be approved in advance by a supervisor. The schedule may be adjusted, with advance notice, to provide coverage during staff vacations. Vacation time in July and August is limited.

Primary Responsibilities
Rehabilitation duties – 60%

Assist with the rehabilitative care of all raptor patients that have completed medical care. Tasks include: creating physical reconditioning schedules, evaluating flight performance (mechanics and endurance), performing live prey training, conducting pre‑release examinations and diagnostics with a staff veterinarian, coordinating releases, and maintaining beaks and talons (coping).

Assist with providing care for all juvenile raptors during baby season

Tasks include caring for juvenile raptors in hospital that have completed medical treatment, training volunteers on basic care for juveniles, performing and coordinating re‑nesting and fostering, and following up with the public on reunites or fosters.

Coordinate with the clinic manager on oversight of TRC’s mouse colony.

Clinic support tasks and general patient care – 30%

Assist with daily patient care needs, supporting veterinarians and veterinary technicians

Help feed and medicate patients, conduct cage‑side rounds, prepare feeding sheets and medications for volunteers, assist with recheck examinations, provide physical restraint, assist with medical treatments, and help in quarantine spaces as needed.

Support day‑to‑day clinic operations by completing miscellaneous tasks to assist the clinic team.

Interface with the public, returning phone calls and answering questions about injured birds, and assist in arranging transport for injured patients.

Volunteer training and engagement – 5%

Assist with coordinating volunteers in rehabilitation activities such as flight reconditioning and re‑nesting juveniles.

Work with the clinic manager and staff to provide volunteer engagement and patient updates.

Represent TRC professionally in accordance with TRC clinic’s mission and goals.

Other duties as assigned – 5%

Qualifications
All required qualifications must be included in the application materials.

Required Qualifications

BA/BS degree or a combination of related education (e.g., CVT) and work experience totaling at least 4 years.

At least 2 years of professional experience working in the wildlife rehabilitation field.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively communicate with diverse groups, including volunteers and the general public.

Strong observational skills.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively with others.

Physical abilities: must meet the essential physical requirements of the job.

Basic competency in the Microsoft suite: Word, Excel, Gmail, PowerPoint.

Ability to project a positive attitude toward co‑workers, supervisor, volunteers, and the public.

Ability to provide excellent customer service— in person, online, and on the telephone.

Ability to communicate respectfully and clearly in verbal and written communication, including speaking, listening, writing, and responding.

Ability to use time efficiently and take initiative to respond to departmental needs.

Ability to work as a team member in a highly dynamic, busy environment.

Ability to adapt to a changing work environment and work effectively in an emergency‑room‑type environment to meet patient care needs.

Problem‑solving skills and strong interpersonal skills.

Flexibility in schedule, including the ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, and to fill some shifts on short notice.

Preferred Qualifications

Basic raptor knowledge.

Experience working with raptors in a wildlife rehabilitation setting.

B.S. degree in an animal‑related field, biology, wildlife ecology/conservation.

Experience working with volunteers.

Experience teaching and working with students.

Physical Requirements

Lifting: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance regularly, and occasionally lift and/or move over 50 lbs with assistance; ability to lift awkward, heavy objects from the ground.

Standing/walking: This role involves continuous activity and requires the ability to remain on your feet for the duration of an 8‑10 hour shift.

Pay and Benefits
Pay Range:

$23.84–$25.00/hour, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Time Appointment:

100% appointment (temporary).

Position Type:

Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor‑Represented Staff.

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.

Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.

Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.

Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.

University HSA contributions.

Disability and employer‑paid life insurance.

Employee wellbeing program.

Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.

Financial counseling services.

Employee Assistance Program with eight counseling sessions at no cost.

Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting its academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The University presumes prospective employees are eligible to work. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

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