Wilde Manor
Are you a passionate leader with a love for wildlife and a commitment to animal conservation? Wilde Manor is looking for an Animal Care Manager to oversee our incredible African collection, including giraffe, lemur, penguin, and more! If you’re ready to create and lead a dynamic team and make a lasting impact on animal care, this role is for you.
About the Role:
As the Animal Care Manager, you will lead and manage a dedicated team of animal care professionals who oversee a diverse range of African species. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that animals thrive in their habitats, implementing cutting-edge behavioral training and enrichment programs, and engaging guests with meaningful and inspiring experiences.
This leadership role requires a skilled communicator, an enthusiastic mentor, and a forward-thinking individual who thrives in a collaborative environment. You’ll support The Manor’s mission of animal conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.
Initial Duties:
1. Formulate and implement SOPs for a newly formed facility, complete applications for permitting, accreditations, and various licensing.
2. Put together job descriptions, research applicants, and interview your new team.
3. Create an efficient schedule for keeper staff, encompassing animal needs and guest itineraries.
4. Plan and schedule the year’s worth of emergency training (drills, worksheets, round table discussions, etc.) no more than 8 weeks apart.
5. Assist in the design of animal areas, as well as the species-specific enrichment devices/attachments needed.
6. Foster and develop relationships with vendors and supply chains for all animal needs.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Oversee the care and management of all animals within this small facility, less than 200 individuals. Collection will consist of primarily African species, including Giraffe, hoofstock, various bird species including Flamingo and Penguin, primates, and other mammals.
2. Lead a team of animal keepers, volunteers, and interns, inspiring them to provide exceptional animal care and guest experiences.
3. Manage animal care emergencies reporting to Directors immediately
4. Ensure necessary diet items, equipment, supplies and inventories are up to date and on the appropriate ordering schedule for optimal operational readiness.
Staff Management:
1. Conduct brief morning meetings daily – ensure all routines are covered, review schedule of planned events, coordinate with other departments as necessary.
2. Delegate animal care duties and responsibilities, assisting staff as necessary. Ensure accuracy, completeness and compliance with established standards, requirements, and procedures.
3. Maintain good rapport with all staff, checking in regularly to ensure job satisfaction, goals, and concerns.
4. Ensure behavioral training goals are met for the collection by the keepers as laid out by protocols and individual animal needs. Motivate employees and assist in accomplishing set targets and goals.
Knowledge and Experience:
1. A minimum of five years zoo experience in a zoological facility with an advanced understanding of facility management and behaviors of a wide variety of animals with demonstrated skills in at least two zoo sections.
2. Strong understanding of giraffe management specifically; including diet, medical care, husbandry and training.
3. Current experience and knowledge of natural history, principles of animal behavior, and general animal husbandry required.
4. Experience with multiple taxonomic groups (e.g., carnivores, birds, hoof stock, large mammals) preferred.
5. Minimum two years supervisory experience having demonstrated strong leadership skills, good time management skills, including flexibility, creativity, and responsibility in use of time.
6. Basic knowledge of computer programs including Microsoft Office software, Google documents and sheets, etc.
7. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, volunteers and visitors.
8. Proven competency in the utilization of operant conditioning.
9. Must possess an eagerness to maintain a healthy and enjoyable work environment, show up as an exemplary team player, be organized and self-motivated.
Benefits:
1. Full-time position requiring flexible schedule, typically working 40 hours per week
2. Career development and continued education opportunities available
3. Employee discounts
4. Monthly insurance contributions
5. Unlimited paid time off
6. Salary of $50,000 per year
TO APPLY:
Please forward Cover Letter, Resume and References by March 21st to our email address listed.
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