Relief Rehabilitator

About the Job

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 which 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.

The ability to work well with a team and strong communication skills are important components of the position. The Relief Rehabilitator will routinely work with and train volunteers to complete patient care tasks, and will regularly interact with the general public, where clear communication and the ability to navigate challenging conversations are important. This position also involves interaction with and training of student employees.

This temporary 6-month position will require flexibility in working hours as needed to cover patient care needs during periods of high caseload and holidays.

Primary Responsibilities

Responsibilities vary seasonally and will include:

• 60%- Rehabilitation duties

• Assist with the rehabilitative care of all raptor patients that have completed medical care. Tasks include but are not limited to: 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 but are not limited to: caring for juvenile raptors in hospital which have completed medical treatment, training volunteers on basic care for juveniles, performing and coordinating renesting and fostering, following up with the general public on reunites or fosters.

• Coordinate with the clinic manager on oversight of TRC's mouse colony

• 30%- Clinic support tasks and general patient care

• Assist with daily patient care needs, which may include supporting the veterinarians and veterinary technicians

• Tasks include but are not limited to: helping feed and medicate patients, conducting cage-side rounds, preparing feeding sheets and medications for volunteers, and assisting with patient care for birds that are being managed by other staff members including assisting with recheck examinations, providing physical restraint, assisting with medical treatments, and assisting in the quarantine spaces as needed.

• Support day-to-day clinic operations by completing miscellaneous tasks as needed to support the clinic team

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

• 5%- Volunteer training and engagement

• Assist with coordinating volunteers in the various aspects of rehabilitation such as flight reconditioning and renesting juveniles

• Work with the clinic manager and clinic staff to provide volunteer engagement, such as patient updates.

• Represent TRC in a professional manner consistent with TRC clinic's identified mission and goals

• 5%- Other duties as assigned

Location and Work environment

• In-person at The Raptor Center Clinic

Work Schedule

• This is a full-time temporary position (6 months) averaging 40 hours per week.
• Standard scheduling consists of five 8-hour shifts per week, with start and end times scheduled within the window of 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
• In some circumstances, the schedule may be adjusted to four 10-hour shifts to meet operational needs.
• Overtime must be approved in advance by a supervisor.
• The schedule may be adjusted, with advance notice, to provide coverage during staff vacations. Due to the high volume of patient care during the summer months, vacation time in July and August is limited.

Essential Employee Designation

• Essential employee

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education (ie CVT) and work experience to equal at least 4 years
• At least 1 year 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 be able to meet the essential physical requirements of the job
• Basic competency in the Microsoft suite: Word, Excel, Gmail, PowerPoint
• Ability to project a positive attitude towards 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 that includes an ability to work, weekends, evenings, and holidays, and the ability 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 animal-related field, biology, wildlife ecology/conservation
• Experience working with volunteers
• Experience teaching and working with students

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• 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 physical ability and mobility to remain on your feet for potentially the duration of an 8 - 10 hour shift. Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time. Ability to walk ½ mile, climb stairs, balance, stoop, lunge, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Bending/stooping: frequently reaching toward the floor or working at low levels.
• Pushing/pulling: Ability to move heavy equipment or machinery, Ability to use hands to perform fine motor skills to handle or feel animals, objects, tools or controls, to push and pull, and reach with hands or arms. Reach: the ability to extend arms overhead or horizontally retrieve items.
• Fine motor skills: picking up small components, typing or using precision tools
• Visual acuity: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Sensory awareness: ability to talk, hear, and smell in an animal care environment, ability to hear warning signals, alarms or communicate in loud environments.
• Ability and willingness to wear a fitted N95 respirator for significant periods of time.
• Ability and willingness to wear personal protective equipment and work in a biosecure quarantine space for significant periods of time.
• Ability to physically capture and safely restrain wild raptors, including large eagles with both hands and arms.

About the Department

Established in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center rehabilitates about 1,000 sick and injured raptors each year while helping to identify emerging environmental issues related to raptor health and populations. An internationally renowned education facility, The Raptor Center trains veterinary students and veterinarians from around the world to become future leaders in raptor medicine and conservation. In addition, The Raptor Center reaches approximately 150,000 people annually through its unique public education programs and events.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $23.84 - $25.00/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

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
• Healthcare 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 sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the 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 the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.