Wildlife rehabilitators?

what is the salary? is it only volunteer? once licensed and what ever else you need, what types of places can you go look for employment? would a certificate in wildlife forestry and natural resources help me or should i be looking for a different type of certificate to help me? what do employers looking for wildlife rehabbers generally want to see?Wildlife rehabilitators?
Here are two excellent resources for you:





http://www.ewildagain.org/pdf/RecBooklet鈥?/a>





http://www.owra.org/becoming.htm





The second website gives the following info:


';For people wanting to get into a paying position in rehabilitation, a college degree in biology or ecology is highly recommended. The curriculum should include ornithology, mammalogy, animal behavior, ecology, and related wildlife and environmental subjects. Wildlife rehabilitators include veterinarians, veterinary technicians, biologists, educators, and people from other diverse backgrounds. Although a college degree is not required to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, a biology-related degree has several advantages:


1) provides knowledge essential for quality hands-on animal care;


2) develops an understanding of wildlife as they relate to humans and the environment;


3) gives you an edge in this increasingly competitive field.';





Also, from the same site: ';Compensation ranges from stipend only to as much as $30,000 per year, plus benefits. Upper level positions usually require experience and expertise in a specific area such as wildlife medicine or management of a large rehabilitation program. Entry level and part-time jobs may pay minimum wage, but there are usually opportunities for advancement. Most people who work in wildlife rehabilitation are volunteers and do not get paid. Internships may or may not have stipends.';





This site should also answer your other questions, regarding employers' need, and places of employment.Wildlife rehabilitators?
One thing about wildlife rehabilitation is that it is for the love of the animals not the size of the paycheck. lol Contact the IWRC(International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council) or the NWRA(National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association) and inquire about job opportunities at rehab centers. With a forestry certificate they would start you as a volunteer to learn about animal care or if you are well versed in wildlife management or habitat they would employ you as an educator or project coordinator. Most states require you to study and take an exam to become licensed to rehabilitate wildlife or you could apprentice under a falconer and learn falconry skills to undertake raptor programs.


Alot of medical hands on knowledge is required to actually rehab wild animals as well as their biology, ecology and management. Good luck!