Apprentice Rehabilitator

Job Title: Apprentice Rehabilitator

Reports to: Avian Care Coordinator and Hospital Manager

Supervises: Avian Care Interns (up to four at one time)

Stipend: $500 biweekly

Housing: provided

Duration: temporary, 1 year

Start Date: September 20, 2025

Job Summary:

Interns are invaluable to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center. We are happy to provide a year-long, paid apprenticeship position to an individual who is interested and passionate about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. The unique ecosystem of the Florida Keys creates a great opportunity to gain knowledge and experience working with a wide variety of avian species. From seabirds and shorebirds to raptors and songbirds, the Apprentice Rehabilitator can expect to work hands-on alongside our Certified Wildlife Rehabilitators at the Mission Wild Bird Hospital.

Our Apprentice Rehabber position consists of 5-day, 40-hour (sometimes more) work weeks, and includes some holidays, weekends, evening, and event hours. The Apprentice Rehabber will work four days per week at the Mission Wild Bird Hospital alongside hospital staff. One day per week will be spent working at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary. The Apprentice Rehabber will be paid a $500 biweekly stipend and housing is provided.  The Apprentice Rehabilitator will also be a FWC permitted apprentice rehabber under the Operations Director. 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist the Avian Care Coordinator and Hospital Manager in caring for all patients and permanent residents.
• Intake and triage of patients.
• Ability to lead daily shifts at the hospital in the absence of the Avian Care Coordinator and Hospital Manager.
• Daily cleaning, feeding, medicating, and wound care of current hospital patients.
• Provide unsupervised basic medical procedures and treatments (i.e. medication dosing, fluid therapy, fracture stabilization, wound management, and humane euthanasia).
• Assist the Avian Care Coordinator and Rehabilitation Manager with the training and management of interns and volunteers at both the hospital and the sanctuary.
• Answer bird emergency calls in accordance with the on-call schedule.
• Maintain detailed records including patient files, care instructions, and patient logbook.
• Answer questions the public may have about the organization.
• Assist in surgeries if needed by the Volunteer Vet and Hospital Manager.
• Participate in the tri-annual Footprints newsletter.
• Assist with any additional tasks assigned by the Hospital Manager.

Candidate Requirements:

• At least 21 years old.
• Ability to make a 12-month commitment.
• Must possess or be able to acquire within a timely manner a Florida State Apprentice Rehabilitator’s license.
• Preference given to candidates with 1 year of experience in a wildlife rehabilitation setting.

Qualifications:

• Basic experience capturing, handling, and restraining wild animals, preferably birds.
• Basic knowledge of or ability to learn rehab techniques, protocols, and medical records in a hospital setting.
• Ability to learn and understand basic medical terminology, avian physiology, and avian anatomy.
• Ability to communicate information clearly and accurately on an individual basis and in group settings, and have strong interpersonal skills for interactions with employees, volunteers, and the public.
• Willing to work 40 hours a week, weekends, and holidays with occasional evenings.
• Great time-management skills with the ability to plan, organize, and multitask.
• Self-motivated, confident and disciplined with excellent work ethic.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs and work in hot, humid and rainy weather conditions.
• Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record.