Job Description

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue has recently been restructured and is entering an exciting new chapter. We are looking for a dedicated and experienced

Wildlife Team Leader

to join our passionate team!

The

Wildlife Team Leader

is responsible for overseeing the care, rehabilitation, and welfare of wildlife at Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre. This role involves managing and coordinating the team of Wildlife Rehabilitators, ensuring high standards of animal care, and developing training programs. The Wildlife Team Leader will also assist in volunteer recruitment and scheduling to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, this role requires direct hands-on involvement in the care and rehabilitation of animals, including feeding, cleaning, administering treatments, monitoring progress, and assisting in their rescue and release back into the wild.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Wildlife Care & Rehabilitation:

Oversee and support Wildlife Rehabilitators in delivering high-quality care to injured and orphaned wildlife. Develop and implement protocols to ensure best practices in rehabilitation and release. Monitor the health and progress of animals under care, working with veterinary professionals when necessary. Actively participate in hands-on care, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, administering medical treatments, handling wildlife safely, and ensuring proper habitat conditions. Assist with animal rescues, providing emergency care and transport as needed. Assess animals' suitability for release. Maintain strong working relationships with vets, local authorities, and external partners. Supervise, train, and mentor staff, volunteers, and interns.

Team Leadership & Training:

Provide leadership and guidance to the wildlife care team, ensuring consistency in care. Develop and deliver training programs for Wildlife Rehabilitators and volunteers. Conduct regular team meetings to review cases, discuss challenges, and improve workflows. Mentor Wildlife Rehabilitators to reinforce good practice. Assist in performance reviews and provide feedback to support staff development.

Scheduling & Coordination:

Manage work schedules for the wildlife care and rehabilitation team as well as volunteers to ensure adequate staffing. Oversee the daily operations of the rehabilitation team and ensure efficient workflow. Assist in the recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteers and staff in animal care roles. Coordinate rescue and release operations, ensuring animals are transported safely.

Health & Safety Compliance:

Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and animal welfare legislation. Maintain hygiene and biosecurity standards in animal care areas. Identify and mitigate risks in the workplace related to animal handling and care.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement:

Assist with outreach programs, public education, and awareness campaigns when required. Engage with the public, media, and external organisations to promote the Centre's mission. Support fundraising efforts by participating in events and awareness programs.

Administrative & Record-Keeping:

Maintain accurate records of admissions, wildlife treatment and rehabilitation outcomes. Assist in compiling reports for management and regulatory bodies as required. Ensure compliance with all legal and ethical requirements related to wildlife rehabilitation.

EXPERIENCE:

Who we are looking for:

Significant experience in wildlife rehabilitation is essential. Experience in seal care and rehabilitation is highly desirable. Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills. Ability to work under pressure, prioritise tasks, and manage a diverse team. A proactive, solution-focused attitude and a commitment to continuous learning. Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and bank holidays as needed. A full, clean driving licence is desirable.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Application question(s):

1. Do you have significant hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation, including independently managing the care of a range of native species?
2. Do you have experience in the care and rehabilitation of seals, or are you willing to undertake specialist training in seal rehabilitation?

3. Are you confident leading and supporting a team in a fast-paced, hands on rescue centre environment?

Work Location: In person