Job Title: Wildlife Specialist
Department: Wildlife
Reports To: Animal Collections Manager
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Effective Date: September 2025
White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature. The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 22,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property. Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.
White Oak Mission:
Saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable populations, expanding education initiatives, and responsible land stewardship.
Job Summary:
The Wildlife Specialist performs as a member of the Animal care team to achieve exceptional animal care and facility care standards in the animal habitat areas in order to sustain White Oak’s wildlife collection and conservation breeding programs.
Essential Duties:
o Participates in the daily care of animals in designated areas.
o Prepares diet preparation for animals.
o Administers prescribed medications and supplements.
o Monitors and reports the health, behavior, and well-being of animals in designated area.
o Maintains accurate daily records and reports.
o Participates with conservation management, including operant conditioning and area research projects.
o Maintains understanding and knowledge of internal transfers; Assists with external transports.
o Maintains knowledge of breeding management and neonatal care.
o Participates in advanced husbandry practices and medical preventative care under supervision when appropriate, such as fluid therapy and blood collections.
o Works with health teams to conduct medical procedures, routine health checks, and treatments.
o Participates in hiring process for Interns, including reviewing applications, interviews, and training.
o Participates in training and mentoring of new staff members.
o Collects medical samples for diagnostic testing and analysis.
o Assist and/or monitors contractor work in animal areas.
o Utilizes forklift to move troughs, snags, and animal crates with and without animals.
o Utilizes backhoe to perform habitat maintenance, dirt work, and dig holes.
o Maintains the highest level of safety in the workplace through implementation of safety protocols and procedures.
o Implements safe animal handling techniques, using advanced knowledge of specific species.
o Notifies management of maintenance and work order needs in the area.
o Maintains, cleans, and organizes non-animal spaces (I.e., food storage, vehicles, equipment, break room, etc.).
o Performs habitat maintenance including mowing, weed-eating, pressure washing, substrate work, limb pick up, and other minor repairs.
o Operates small equipment and farm machinery including mowers, weed-eaters, pressure washer, tractor or skid steer loader, utility/stock trailers.
o Participates with intern training.
o Performs other duties that are not identified above but required to care for White Oaks wildlife.
The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of one year of related animal (zoo, farm, veterinary, husbandry) experience preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Personal interest in, and strong commitment to, conservation, animal care and animal health.
- Engagement and genuine alignment with the mission, values, and vision of White Oak.
- Problem resolution skills.
- Good communication and active listening skills.
- Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and to work in an environment subject to constant change.
- Effective observations and time management skills.
- Self-motivated and an efficient self-starter with a strong work ethic.
- Team player with a positive attitude, making timely and sound decisions in a team environment
- Sets positive example, good conduct – safety, attendance, animal care, and communications.
- Flexibility and adaptability – new assignments/projects and area change.
- Sensitive to individual differences and supportive of all team members.
- Resilient, show initiative, and demonstrate a healthy commitment to going above and beyond.
- Able to focus on team success and define success collaboratively versus individually.
- Able to work with colleagues in mind, be a good listener, and be willing to seek information and assistance when necessary.
Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions:
- Must have valid Florida or Georgia drivers’ license.
- Work involves driving large vehicles on and off road.
- Able to work outside for long periods of time.
- Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects.
- Work may involve climbing a 5-foot ladder.
- Work outdoors in all conditions including Florida heat, humidity, and bugs.
- Exposure to fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts and vehicles.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as unforeseen emergency situations.
White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.
