Lead Animal Caretaker

Wildlife Rescue, Inc. of New Mexico Job Posting:   Lead Animal Caretaker Temporary Seasonal Full-time position (two openings) with possibility of a future permanent position Application deadline: March 15, 2026 To Apply:  To view the full job description and to apply, email resume and cover letter to HR@wildliferescuenm.org . Employment Type:  Temporary/Seasonal – Full-Time, non-exempt (hourly employee) Pay Rate:  $17.00 – $18.50 hourly depending on related experience Length of Assignment:  April 1 – October 15, 2026; there is a possibility of this position being made a regular (non-temporary) position at the end of the temporary assignment, as determined by the WRINM Board of Directors. Hours:  We are hiring for two positions. One position will serve as the animal caretaker team lead during the early shift, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. The second position will serve as the animal caretaker team lead during the late shift, 11:30 am – 8:00 pm. Both shifts include a 30-minute lunch break (unpaid) and two 15-minute breaks.

About Us Wildlife Rescue, Inc. of New Mexico (WRINM) is a 501(c)(3) non-partisan organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native New Mexico wildlife, and providing education on wildlife and conservation issues (wildliferescuenm.org). The WRINM Wildlife Clinic is located on the grounds of the Rio Grande Nature Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Position Description We are seeking two dedicated and hard-working Lead Animal Caretakers, who are committed to making a difference in the lives of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. As part of the WRINM team, you’ll gain extensive exposure to all aspects of wildlife care, from intake to release. You’ll be involved in daily feeding, cleaning, medical care, and animal assessments. You will work directly with wildlife professionals to build your skills and knowledge. The Lead Animal Caretakers will report to and work under the close supervision of the Rehabilitation Manager. They will also work closely with the Staff Veterinarian, daily Clinic Shift Managers (CSMs), and homecare rehabilitators. They will assist seasonal animal care staff and volunteers in fulfilling daily care plans for wildlife patients, including but not limited to nutrition, housing, sanitization, and medical needs. Fundamental to this role is the ability to provide constructive and supportive mentorship to other animal care team staff and volunteers, follow established Clinic protocols and rules, and complete tasks in an organized and efficient manner. Must be able to work cooperatively with a team of volunteers with varying skillsets and knowledge of animal care.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Fundamental knowledge of a variety of native New Mexico wildlife species.
• The ability to provide direct care to wildlife of all species and ages.
• A minimum of one year of current, direct animal care in a wildlife clinic, or home rehabilitation under a permit, and/or volunteering to provide wildlife rehabilitation.
• Minimum of two years of prior work experience with at least two current references upon request

Preferred Qualifications  

• Background in veterinary medicine a plus
• AWR or CWR certification or working towards one
• Completion of the IWRC Basic Rehabilitation class within the past 5 years or be willing to achieve it within the first three months of hire. Employment Requirements
• Up to date Tetanus vaccination
• Must be able to successfully pass a background and Department of Motor Vehicle background check
• Access to a dependable vehicle or other reliable mode of transportation 
• Adhere to WRINM Dress Code
• Temporary seasonal staff are considered “at will” employees whose assignments may be ended at any time, and are scheduled to end on October 15, 2026.
• Vacation time during the busy baby season (April 1 through mid-October) must be no more than 5 workdays and must be preapproved at time of hire. Time off during these months over the busy season is discouraged.
• Position is subject to WRINM’s drug testing policy.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort  

• Moderate physical effort. Requires moderate lifting, handling, pushing, or moving objects up to 35  lbs. Standing/walking may occur more than 70% of the time.
• Work environment involves potential exposure to parasites, pathogens and zoonotic diseases carried by wildlife; work involves dealing with wild animals that have the potential to inflict injury; some situations may warrant the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as gloves and goggles.
• Work may involve exposure to elements such as allergens, dirt, dust, animal dander and waste, unpleasant odors, and varying weather conditions.
• Physical ability to perform tasks requiring eye-hand coordination, good eyesight, fine motor skills, bending, kneeling, sitting and standing for extensive periods.

WRINM is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. 2