Wildlife Administrative Specialist, Part-Time (Non-Exempt)Hourly Rate: $12.00 starting hourly to $16.00 max hourlyPay Grade: Part-Time (PT) | Starting rate is based on relevant experience and education.Location: Penitentiary Glen Reservation, Kirtland
Position Summary:Lake Metroparks is seeking a Wildlife Administrative Specialist to provide administrative and visitor service support for the Wildlife Center under the supervision of the Wildlife Care Manager. This position responds to wildlife-related inquiries; supports wildlife admission intake and scheduling; maintains records and prepares reports; processes donations and deposits; coordinates communication with partner organizations; and assists with facility operations, materials, programs, and special events.
POSITION REQUIREMENTSEducation and/or Experience:• High school diploma or equivalent education, training, or experience that provides the communication, recordkeeping, customer service, and administrative skills required for the position.• One year of experience in administrative support, customer service, animal care, wildlife rehabilitation, parks and recreation, or a related field is preferred.• Relevant postsecondary coursework or a degree in business administration, parks and recreation, biology, environmental studies, or a related field may substitute for a portion of the preferred experience.
Certificates or Licenses:• Must possess a valid driver’s license and remain insurable under the Park District’s vehicle liability policy.
Required Training: All Park District employees must complete and maintain required training, including applicable safety, fraud prevention, ethics, anti-harassment, and position-specific training.
Other:• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check is required.• Basic knowledge of native Ohio wildlife is preferred.• Availability to work up to 28 hours per week, including weekdays, weekends, some evenings, and holidays, is required.• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions is required.• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff and volunteers is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES• Responds to wildlife-related inquiries through the Wildlife Hotline and other assigned communication channels and provides accurate, courteous information.• Assists senior staff with evaluating wildlife admission requests, scheduling appointments, and communicating intake instructions.• Completes admission documentation, enters data accurately, maintains records, and prepares routine reports.• Coordinates schedules and information with municipal, state, and federal wildlife conservation personnel; veterinary providers; wildlife rehabilitation organizations; and nonprofit partners.• Processes donations, prepares acknowledgment letters, completes deposits, and sends program confirmations in accordance with Park District procedures.• Maintains appointment calendars, office files, supplies, inventory records, and orderly office and public service areas.• Assists with brochures, handouts, displays, mailings, Adopt-an-Animal materials, Wildlife Center programs, and special events.• Obtains quotes for products, repairs, and facility or equipment improvements and communicates with approved contractors and vendors.• Follows established sanitation and safety procedures, promptly reports hazards and incidents, and supports a safe environment for visitors, volunteers, and staff.• Operates Park District vehicles and office or facility equipment safely when assigned and authorized.• Performs other duties related to the position as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES☒ This position has no supervisory duties.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSTo perform this position successfully, an employee must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below describe the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position. Lake Metroparks provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with barriers to employment to perform the essential functions in accordance with applicable law.
COMPUTER EXPERTISE REQUIRED / EQUIPMENT OPERATED:• Uses computers, email, web-based applications, and Microsoft 365 applications to prepare correspondence, maintain records, and communicate with staff and the public.• Uses Wildlife Rehabilitation Medical Database (WRMD) or another assigned wildlife records system.• Safely operates standard office equipment and, when assigned and authorized, Park District vehicles and facility equipment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThis position requires the employee to demonstrate the following observable knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
Knowledge:• Basic knowledge of native Ohio wildlife and common human-wildlife interactions.• Knowledge of office administration, recordkeeping, scheduling, and customer service practices.• Knowledge of confidentiality, cash-handling, and data accuracy requirements applicable to assigned work.
Skills:• Clear and professional verbal, written, telephone, and electronic communication.• Respectful customer service for people with varied backgrounds, experiences, and communication needs.• Accurate data entry, recordkeeping, scheduling, and payment processing.• Organization, prioritization, attention to detail, and timely follow-through.• Safe animal handling when trained, authorized, and required.
Abilities:• Interacts with participants, visitors, volunteers, coworkers, and partners with professionalism, tact, and respect.• Gathers information, identifies routine problems, applies established procedures, and refers complex matters to appropriate staff.• Works independently within assigned responsibilities and collaborates effectively with staff and volunteers.• Manages multiple priorities in an environment with frequent interruptions while maintaining accuracy and service quality.• Learns and consistently applies new procedures, systems, and position-specific information.• Communicates wildlife and conservation information in an accessible and engaging manner.
PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Lake Metroparks provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with barriers to employment in accordance with applicable law.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee frequently works at a computer workstation; uses hands and fingers to type, handle documents, operate office equipment, and process transactions; communicates in person, by telephone, and electronically; and may remain in a stationary position for extended periods. The employee regularly moves through office, public service, and Wildlife Center areas; reaches for files and supplies; and travels to other Lake Metroparks locations. The employee may occasionally handle approved wildlife carriers or supplies and lift, carry, push, or move items weighing up to 40 pounds. The position requires close vision for computer and document work, distance vision in public and facility settings, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENTThe employee primarily works in office, reception, and Wildlife Center settings with regular interaction with the public, staff, volunteers, wildlife professionals, and vendors. Work may include exposure to animal care areas, cleaning products, odors, noise, and interruptions. Some duties occur outdoors or require travel between Lake Metroparks locations in heat, cold, humidity, precipitation, or uneven conditions. The schedule may include weekdays, weekends, some evenings, and holidays. Employees must follow applicable safety, sanitation, personal protective equipment, and animal-handling procedures.
POTENTIAL HAZARDSPotential hazards include contact with frightened, injured, or ill wildlife; bites, scratches, allergens, zoonotic disease exposure, animal waste, and cleaning or disinfecting products. Additional hazards may include slips, trips, lifting or moving carriers and supplies, vehicle travel, outdoor weather, and uneven surfaces. The employee must use required personal protective equipment, follow infection-control and animal-handling procedures, and promptly report hazards, exposures, injuries, and incidents.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONSThe employee must demonstrate commitment and sensitivity to the needs of Lake Metroparks and its constituents, support the mission of the Park District, maintain professional conduct, comply with applicable policies and procedures, and provide respectful service to participants, visitors, volunteers, coworkers, and community partners.
BENEFITSLake Metroparks offers the following benefits to eligible part-time employees: Membership in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). Paid leave after three years of service and completion of the required hours threshold. Mental health support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council membership and agency discounts.
To Apply:Apply online at https://www.lakemetroparks.com/about-us/job-opportunities/