Wildlife Care Center Associate Veterinarian

Bird Alliance of Oregon • Portland, OR

16d • $34 - $38

About The Position

Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Wildlife Care Center (WCC) is Oregon’s oldest and busiest wildlife rehabilitation facility, treating thousands of native birds, mammals, and reptiles each year and responding to more than 15,000 wildlife-related public inquiries annually. The WCC is a core component of Bird Alliance of Oregon’s mission to inspire people to love and protect nature through hands-on wildlife care, public education, and conservation action. The program is supported by a multidisciplinary team of permanent and seasonal staff, interns, and up to 200 trained volunteers.

The Wildlife Care Center Veterinarian is responsible for the medical evaluation, treatment, and oversight of care for releasable native wildlife patients. This position reports to the Wildlife Care Center Manager and works in close collaboration with the Senior Veterinarian to ensure high standards of animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. In addition to direct clinical duties, the Veterinarian provides medical guidance and training to staff, interns, and volunteers; contributes to development and implementation of medical protocols and standard operating procedures; supports humane euthanasia decisions when appropriate; and assists with public education and professional outreach related to wildlife health and rehabilitation. The Veterinarian partners with internal conservation, education, and communications teams to align with Bird Alliance of Oregon’s broader conservation priorities. A demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation, ethical animal care, teamwork, and engaging the public in humane coexistence with wildlife is essential to success in this role.

Requirements

• Experience in the medical care of a broad range of species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians
• Experience working with wild animals, ideally in a wildlife rehabilitation context
• Knowledge, understanding and initiative to learn natural history and its application to animal husbandry and medical care
• Demonstrate collaborative, team-based approach to working with staff and volunteers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrable commitment to and application of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles
• Proficiency with technology, including electronic medical recordkeeping
• Veterinary Medical Degree (DVM or equivalent)
• Current Oregon state veterinary license (or potential to obtain)
• USDA National Veterinary Accreditation (class II) (or potential to obtain)

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive medical care for injured and orphaned native wildlife, including: Intake, physical examination, diagnosis, and treatment
• Development of case-specific treatment and release plans in collaboration with senior veterinarian and rehabilitation staff
• Maintenance of complete and accurate medical records
• Surgical procedures as appropriate to training and facility capability
• Anesthesia
• Diagnostic procedures, including radiography and laboratory interpretation
• Humane euthanasia of non-repairable, non-releasable, or invasive/non-native wildlife in accordance with ODFW regulations
• Necropsy and basic pathology assessment when appropriate or required
• Ensure compliance with IWRC/NWRA minimum standards while addressing welfare needs of native wildlife
• Provide preventative and emergency medical care to non-releasable educational animals
• Provide direct and indirect medical training to rehabilitation staff and seasonal assistants
• Support supervision of DVM externs, seasonal interns, and volunteers
• Annual continuing education pertaining to exotics or wildlife medicine
• Support Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET) training, application, and recertification for eligible staff
• In collaboration with WCC Leadership Team, periodically review medical treatment protocols, SOPs, and clinical policies
• Manage controlled substances in compliance with DEA and state regulations
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local wildlife rehabilitation and veterinary practice regulations
• Participate in or support scientific research, data collection, and conservation initiatives that advance wildlife medicine and rehabilitation outcomes
• Promote and maintain a safe, clean, and professional clinical environment consistent with OSHA and organizational safety standards
• Provide accurate information to the public regarding injured, diseased, or orphaned wildlife through direct interaction, support, or media coordination as appropriate
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support Wildlife Care Center operations and mission delivery

Benefits

• Medical insurance: 100% payment of premiums for medical and dental insurance, for employees only
• Competitive leave benefits which include two (2) weeks paid vacation during a staff member’s first year of employment, accrual of eight (8) hours paid sick time per month, eight (8) recognized paid holidays as well as 40 hours of flexible holiday time per year, and family leave.
• 401(k) 3% match
• Ability to attend free or subsidized courses at Bird Alliance of Oregon
• Substantial discount at our Nature Store, including optics
• Opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful forests in Oregon

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree