Animal Care Manager
Job Summary
City Wildlife, Washington, DC’s only wildlife center, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Animal Care Manager to lead wildlife rehabilitation on-site. This is a key leadership role responsible for guiding the animal care team and ensuring that we consistently maintain our high standards of medical treatment, animal care, rehabilitation, and successful release.
This hands-on position reports to the Clinic Director and works closely with animal care staff, interns, volunteers, and the front desk team to keep daily operations running smoothly and support excellent outcomes for every patient in our care.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care, Rehabilitation and Release Leadership
- Lead all non-veterinary animal care and animal husbandry, rehabilitation and release.
- Work directly with animal care staff, volunteers, and interns to ensure that all daily tasks are completed.
- In conjunction with the team, develop and implement protocols that ensure that our patients receive nutritious food and husbandry practices appropriate for their natural history.
- Develop animal care plans based on age, injury, and development with the goal of successful releases in consultation with the Clinic Director.
- Oversee new enclosure set-up, maintain cleanliness, create enrichment and species appropriate habitats.
- Evaluate patients for release and coordinate with the Operations Manager to arrange release.
- Help maintain complete and accurate case records of all patients.
- Review, expand, update, and enforce animal care protocols and cleaning procedures.
- Develop, improve and manage the internship program.
- Arrange wet labs, conduct mid- and end-internship reviews, and review internship survey feedback.
- Keep current on new and emerging information on wildlife rehabilitation, use research to improve animal care and work with other animal care staff to increase their knowledge of the species treated at City Wildlife.
Treatment Support (Scheduled/As Needed)
- Cover treatment for the Clinic Director at least once per week; perform examinations and monitor incoming patients and triage for return to wild, treatment at the center, or euthanasia according to Clinic Director protocols.
- Following instructions of the Clinic Director, perform and assist with medical treatments (e.g., medications, bandaging, therapy, supportive care).
Administrative & Program Support
- Scheduling and leading events and meetings as needed.
- Organization and record keeping including organizing daily work and tasks online and on boards within the center.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in wildlife rehabilitation and/or animal care leadership in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong hands-on husbandry skills and commitment to humane, evidence-based care.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and support staff, interns, and volunteers.
- Clear communication, strong judgment, and ability to prioritize.
- Experience developing and updating protocols, training materials, and cleanliness/biosecurity standards.
- Previous rehabilitation license in another state or jurisdiction and/or Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator certificate through IWRC.
Permits / Requirements
- Will obtain a District of Columbia Wildlife Rehabilitator Permit (City Wildlife will support this process).
- Valid driver’s license
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing your wildlife rehabilitation/animal care experience and your approach to team leadership to Dr. Sarah Sirica, our Clinic Director at sarah.sirica@citywildlife.org. The closing date for applications is February 16, 2026.
City Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and identities.
