Employment Opportunities

Full-Time Wildlife Caretaker
Wildlife Center of Long Island | Huntington, NY

Schedule: Sunday–Thursday 8am-4pm
Compensation: $22–$25/hour based on experience, plus health benefits
Start date: October 1; flexible for the right candidate

About Wildlife Center of Long Island
Wildlife Center of Long Island is a 501©3 not-for-profit Wildlife Hospital & Education Center founded in 1982, dedicated to the preservation of Long Island’s wildlife and natural habitats. We receive over 10,000 calls to our Hotline annually and admit over 2,000 injured and orphaned wild animals to our Hospital composed of migratory birds, small mammals, amphibians & reptiles. In addition, we conduct education outreach programs for children and adults to foster knowledge and appreciation for Long Island’s wildlife. 

Wildlife Center of Long Island operates out of two locations within the Town of Huntington. The primary location of work is in Centerport with a daily short trip to our outdoor enclosures, located about 6.5 miles away. Employees utilize their own vehicle for work travel and are reimbursed for mileage in accordance with IRS guidelines.

About the Opportunity
We are seeking a reliable, compassionate Wildlife Caretaker to care for injured & orphaned native wildlife patients. The caretaker will be the primary staff member assigned to daily animal care during a shift, usually with volunteer assistance. This position reports to both Center Co-Directors, who are available for questions, guidance, and care decisions. Wildlife rehabilitation is physically demanding and emotionally challenging. Duties include prolonged standing, bending, lifting and carrying supplies, and repetitive cleaning. Not every patient survives or can be released; compassion, resilience, and a positive attitude are essential. For the right person, this is an exceptionally rewarding opportunity to take direct responsibility for our patients’ well-being and contribute to their recovery and return to the wild.

Responsibilities

• Prepare species-appropriate diets, provide feedings, and maintain appropriate housing and daily husbandry.
• Handle wildlife safely and administer medications and basic medical care as trained anddirected, following established treatment plans.
• Monitor patients’ condition, behavior, appetite, and progress; maintain accurate records and promptly report concerns.
• Clean and disinfect enclosures, equipment, work surfaces, floors, and shared care areas.
• Complete laundry, wash feeding supplies and dishes, remove waste, and organize storage areas.
• Restock supplies, monitor inventory, and communicate supply needs before items run out.
• Prioritize daily tasks and identify practical solutions to animal care and facility challenges, working within established protocols and seeking approval when needed.
• Guide volunteers assisting with daily tasks and uphold organizational policies, safety practices, and sanitation procedures.

Qualifications

• Significant hands-on experience in a wildlife caretaker position or the veterinary field.
• Background knowledge of native Long Island wildlife, including common species and their natural history, is strongly preferred.
• Ability to carry out routine husbandry and assigned treatments independently after orientation to our protocols.
• An active interest in continued learning and self-study. Wildlife rehabilitation continues to evolve, and we value people who ask thoughtful questions, seek reliable information, and remain open to updated practices.
• Practical problem-solving skills and resourcefulness—whether identifying a way to improve an enclosure setup or troubleshooting a routine facility issue.
• Strong reliability, attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• Willingness to take ownership of all aspects of the role, including repetitive cleaning and routine upkeep.
• Emotional maturity, patience, and the ability to maintain a positive, constructive approach during challenging situations.
• Ability to accept feedback, recognize personal limits, and ask for help. Initiative must be balanced with consistent adherence to established care plans and procedures.

How to Apply

Please email the following materials to Alicia Grubessi, Wildlife Center Director, at [email protected]:

• A brief cover letter describing your relevant experience, interest in wildlife rehabilitation, and what makes you a good fit for this position.
• Your resume.
• Three professional references, including each person’s name, relationship to you, email address, and phone number. References may include supervisors from employment, internships, or volunteer positions.