Hobbitstee Purebred Toggenburg and Alpine Goats

Hobbitstee Wildlife Care Assistant (We are done hiring for 2023)

We offer limited opportunities for wildlife Care Assistant summer jobs. Apply now for the 2023 season. Starting date is expected to be April 25th, but this depends on the federal government who fund this program through the Summer Jobs Program. This is a great opportunity for people who are not afraid to get dirty to gain some valuable practical wildlife experience.

We are a small rehab facility, but we rehab a lot of wildlife of a very large variety of species. Our team is very small and we are looking for individuals who can fit in as seamlessly as possible.

This is a highly competitive program and we chose the people who we believe will fit the best. We will expect you to work for 35 hours a week for a minimum of 8 weeks (again this does depend on the funding from the federal government).

(we are currently not able to provide housing for none-local applicants. We are rurally situated, so all out of town or out of province applicants look keep that in mind)

Your duties

  • Complete animal intake and documenting information
  • Feeding animals from infant to adult
  • Maintain health and feeding records for rehab animals
  • Assist with medical treatment of the wildlife
  • Clean and disinfect cages, bowls and buckets
  • Clean indoor and outside enclosures and occasionally assist in the maintenance or repair
  • Participate in keeping things clean and tidy
  • Assist with special events
  • Transfer / release animals into the wild
  • Other duties as assigned from time to time including phone duties

    • What you need to know before you apply…

    Vaccines:

  • Covid, Tetanus and Rabies vaccinations are mandatory. Proof of inoculation/recent titer test results is required!!!

    • Requirement:

  • Our Wildlife Animal Care Assistant must be between the age of 18-30 (age rules related to the grant)
  • Preference is given to people who study in a relevant field or are interested in a career with wildlife
  • Having a driver’s license and your own vehicle are an asset

    • Do not feel discouraged to apply if you don't have a fancy resume. We are committed to choosing applicants who we feel can benefit the most from the experience. Willingness to learn, dependability and being adaptable/flexible are more important than prior experience and/or academic achievement.

    Obligation:

  • Each susccesful applicant will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement
  • Liability waivers including injury and zoonotic diseases
  • Review and acceptance of our Policy and Procedure
  • Please be advised that you may not have a cell phone, camera or other recording device with you during your work with us. Photographs of our wildlife may only be taken with consent from your supervisor

    • Other:

  • Understand that we care for all species of wildlife and that our predators get fed a carnivorous diet, which means that you might have to handle animal-based food sources
  • Decisions are made based on the best interest of the wildlife in care and not humans
  • You will get dirty
  • Not all wildlife make it and some will need to be euthanized
  • Our work environment is super fast paced and we require people who are extraordinarily flexible and adaptable
  • Everyday is an adventure at Hobbitstee and the days never go as planned.
  • If you can manage all this, you will have a very rewarding experience

    • Please send a cover letter and resume to: chantal@hobbitstee.com
    (Make sure to include your rabies vaccination status!
    Only applicants selected for an interview will receive a response.)

    Testimonial from a former summer student:

    My time at Hobbitstee provided me with experience in many areas of wildlife health and disease, including clinical aspects, etiologies of disease, and animal handling/care.

    I was also able to learn how diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans are a significant part of wildlife rehabilitation including with regards to public policy, awareness, and conservation.

    The learning experiences I had as a student at Hobbitstee directly influenced my academic/career goals and have led me to my current position today.

    Current applicants should be able to deal with high-stress situations, members of the public who may become upset (either over the phone or in person), and regular cleaning/sanitation duties.

    Current applicants should also be made aware that despite what they may have seen or heard previously, wildlife rehab is not just fluffy baby bunnies and feeding hungry deer fawns – it is a very serious and complicated field which unfortunately deals with a lot of severe illnesses/injuries to animals which can result in euthanasia.

    Testimonial from a former summer student:

    Working at Hobbitstee was a life-changing experience. It wasnt easy, but it was more than I ever thought I'd get out of it!

    Testimonial from a former summer student:

    Working at Hobitstee is a unique and memorable learning experience. You receive ample opportunity for hands-on experience with wildlife, and you learn the ins-and-outs of wildlife rehabilitation under the supervision of an experienced and insightful wildlife rehabilitator. This job is not for people who are unable to handle the difficult decisions often required to be made in wildlife rehabilitation, which includes humane euthanasia for the benefit of the animal. Getting dirty is a daily part of the job, and it is more physically demanding than animal care positions that you may have prior experience with. Hobbitstee is a fast-paced environment that requires quick thinking and fast acting. Applicants must also be comfortable dealing with members of the public via phone and face-to-face communication. If this sounds like a job for you, you will have the experience of a lifetime working at Hobbitstee!