Clinical Rehabilitation Associate

The Clinical Rehabilitation Associate supports TRC's mission by providing cross-functional patient care assistance throughout all phases of treatment and rehabilitation. This role is designed to be flexible, adapting to the needs of different stages of care and shifting responsibilities based on patient caseloads, staffing coverage requirements, seasonal demands, and operational priorities. It will fill critical staffing gaps and ensure continuity of care for our patients. It will also contribute to the teaching and supervision of student employees and volunteers, provide guidance to interns and visiting professionals, and represent TRC to the general public. Key competencies include a basic level of skill in providing professional care to animals, strong observation skills, customer service experience, ability to work independently and in a team environment, basic skills in the Microsoft Suite, and ability to problem-solve.

Location and Work Environment

• The work will be performed in-person in the hospital at The Gabbert Raptor Center and is NOT hybrid eligible.

Work Schedule

• 40 hours/week between the hours of 7AM and 7PM.
• This position requires flexibility in scheduling, including weekends, holidays, and periods of high patient volume.

Appointment Term

• 12 months

Essential Employee Designation

• Essential Employee

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility

• This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship

Job Responsibilities

45%- Clinic Support Tasks and General Patient Care

• Assist veterinarians and support senior veterinary technicians with the medical care of wild raptor patients.

• Perform patient restraint for examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and procedures.

• Conduct treatments, medication administration, daily patient assessments, feeding, cleaning, and husbandry.

• Assist with diagnostics, sample preparation, laboratory procedures, radiographs, bloodwork, and anesthesia according to training and qualifications.

• Participate in treatment planning discussions with veterinarians, SVTs, and CVT(s).

• Complete medical records and patient documentation accurately and promptly.

• Participate in and assist with end-of-life services, including the euthanasia of patients.

• Assist with clinic maintenance tasks, including inventory, restocking, and cleaning; preparing treatment areas; and preparing medications.

35%- Rehabilitation Duties

• Participate in the rehabilitative care of all raptor patients who have completed medical care.

  • Tasks include but are not limited to: creating physical reconditioning schedules, evaluating flight mechanics, performing live prey training, pre-release examinations and diagnostics with a staff veterinarian, coordination of releases, imping (feather replacement), beak/talon coping, and participation in developing and updating in-house protocols and documentation of rehabilitation process for use in teaching and consultations.

• Participate in the care for juvenile raptors during baby season

  • Tasks include, but are not limited to: providing care to juvenile raptors in the hospital who have completed medical treatment; training volunteers in basic care for juveniles; performing and coordinating renesting and fostering; and following up with the general public on reunites or fosters.

• Assist in managing the mouse colony

10%- Teaching and Outreach

• Assist with training and supervising students involved in patient care and rehabilitation activities.

• Provide guidance and support to student employees, interns, and visiting professionals.

• Communicate professionally with members of the public regarding injured birds, patient updates, transport arrangements, and rehabilitation activities.

• Contribute to educational programming and training initiatives.

• Represent TRC professionally in public-facing activities.

5%- Volunteer Training and Engagement

• Assist with training and supervising volunteers involved in patient care and rehabilitation activities.

• Support volunteer engagement efforts and educational opportunities.

• Contribute to educational programming and training initiatives.

5%- Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in an animal-related field, biology, wildlife ecology/conservation, OR certified veterinary technician training plus two years' experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience in veterinary technology, animal science, biology, wildlife rehabilitation, or related field to equal 4 years

• Ability to maintain composure in high-stress, emotionally charged environment, including through the euthanasia process

• Ability to communicate respectfully, clearly, and effectively through speaking, listening, writing, and responding to a variety of audiences, including volunteers, colleagues, and members of the public.

• Ability to provide excellent customer service - in person, online, and on the telephone

• Strong observational skills

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively with others

• Comfort in speaking in front of audiences

• Basic competency in the Microsoft suite: Word, Excel, Gmail, PowerPoint

• Ability to project a positive attitude towards co-workers, supervisor, volunteers, and the public

• Ability to use time efficiently and take initiative to respond to departmental needs

• Ability to work as a team member in a highly dynamic, busy environment

• Ability to adapt to a changing work environment and work effectively in an emergency room-type environment

• Problem-solving skills and strong interpersonal skills

• Flexibility in schedule that includes an ability to work during all seasons, weekends, evenings, and holidays, and the ability to fill some shifts on short notice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or eligibility for certification in Minnesota.

• Two years of professional experience in wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary medicine, zoological medicine, or a related animal care field.

• Experience with avian hematology and manual complete blood cell counts

• Knowledge of veterinary medicine terminology

• Knowledge of proper restraint and handling of large and small animals

• Basic raptor knowledge

• Experience working with raptors in a wildlife rehabilitation setting

• Experience working with volunteers

• Experience teaching and working with students

Established in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center rehabilitates about 1,000 sick and injured raptors each year while helping to identify emerging environmental issues related to raptor health and populations. An internationally renowned education facility, The Raptor Center trains veterinary students and veterinarians from around the world to become future leaders in raptor medicine and conservation. In addition, The Raptor Center reaches approximately 150,000 people annually through its unique public education programs and events.

Pay Range: $22.50 - $25.00/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.