Facility

New Mexico Wildlife Center

Closing Date

Description

NMWC MISSION: Connecting People and Wildlife for an Abundant Tomorrow
TITLE: Ambassador Animal Manager
PURPOSE:
1) Responsible for ensuring the daily care, health, well-being and training of approximately 35 Ambassador Animals, including raptors, mammals, reptiles and amphibians
2) Schedule, supervise, train and evaluate Education staff, interns and volunteers
3) In collaboration with the Education staff develop and implement educational programs for on-site, off-site and virtual audiences utilizing Ambassador Animals
4) Responsible for maintaining permits and record keeping, and in collaboration with Executive Director budgeting, purchasing and facility maintenance
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, salaried exempt; this position is limited by all NMWC policies and local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
SUPERVISES: Assistant Curators, interns and volunteers
WORK HOURS: Five days/40 hours per week; some nights and holiday work hours required; some travel required including overnight and out of state
OVERTIME: N/A
POSITION SUMMARY
The Manager is responsible for maintaining high standards of husbandry in our live animal collection which includes a variety of native New Mexican amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. The Manager will have substantial experience with training and enrichment for native wildlife species. The position requires confidence in public speaking and conducting presentations with live animals. The incumbent is an ambassador for NMWC with the general public and is passionate about the impact of the organization’s mission and programs on program participants and visitors.

The position manages all aspects of NMWC education programs, including on-site, off-site and virtual programs. The Manager is responsible for the training, scheduling, supervision and evaluation of education staff, interns, and volunteers. The Manager regularly presents education programs, engages with visitors and performs duties of Manager on Duty when required. In collaboration with all staff, fully supports NMWC’s strategic plan, mission and core values. The Manager may represent NMWC at local, regional, and national meetings and conferences. The position is a member of the NMWC leadership team. As such, this position is accountable for the successful and timely execution of programs, policies, and procedures in accordance with the NMWC mission, strategic and operational plans.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
PERSONNEL
• Supervises and schedules Education staff, interns and volunteers and is responsible for training and evaluation
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, hires new staff
• Conducts regularly scheduled Education staff meetings
• Establishes, promotes and maintains clear and open communication
ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT
• The Manager is responsible for ensuring strategic and operational goals for the Education program are met
• Maintains consistent application of NMWC policies and procedures
• Regularly reports on programming to the Executive Director
• Maintains discretion with confidential information
• Maintains and manages accurate animal care records and permits and education program records
• Participates with Board committees as needed
• Supports the NMWC’s administrative, communication, and fundraising functions
• Serves as Manager on Duty as required
• Assists with grant writing, implementation and reporting
• In collaboration with Executive Director, develops and manages Education program budget
• Remains current with best management practices concerning wildlife training and husbandry
• Ensures the accuracy, relevancy and quality of Education program content
• Performs minor repairs to facilities and equipment; notifies Executive Director of repair needs
• Is responsible for the safe use, maintenance and storage of all education equipment and supplies
• Visually inspects grounds and facilities daily for cleanliness and safety; checks animal enclosures for security and general conditions
• Participates in emergency response
• Performs other Duties as assigned.
AMBASSADOR ANIMALS
• Oversees policies and procedures for the proper care, husbandry, and welfare of NMWC’s Ambassador Animals including training, enrichment, enclosures, furnishings, diet, and QoL assessment ensuring the highest practical level of animal care
• Collaborates with veterinarian and hospital staff concerning animal health; assists with medical procedures and examinations as necessary
• Assists with the acquisition and disposition of Ambassador Animals
• Appropriately applies Best Current Practices regarding animal training methodology
• Maintains animal enclosures and related facilities in best condition possible; recommends additions, renovations, repairs, and replacement as needed
EDUCATION PROGRAM
• The Manager is responsible for all aspects of educational programming provided by NMWC including development, implementation, evaluation, staffing, budget and resource allocation
• Plays an active role in welcoming and hosting program participants and visitors
• Responds to visitor questions concerning Ambassador Animals
• Teaches as needed and maintains working knowledge of all NMWC programs
• Ensures NMWC programs meet regulations for safety and curriculum standards
• Identifies opportunities to attract new and diverse audiences, while also increasing the engagement with current visitors, program participants/groups and supporters
SKILLS
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel)
• Excellent organizational, writing and communication skills, including a demonstrated proficiency in and comfort with public speaking
• Initiative, imagination and creativity related to wild animal care and conservation education
• Ability to multi-task and work well alone or with others in a team environment
• Flexibility, able to adjust plans quickly and efficiently to respond to needs of the Ambassador Animals, facility and visitors
• Excellent time management skills; able to anticipate, plan ahead and complete tasks on time
• Able to identify and correct operational problems quickly; able to think logically and solve problems and make decisions often with minimal guidance
• Experience with risk management and emergency procedures
• Experience creating and delivering conservation/environmental educational programs
• Strong supervisory, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills; successful experience leading staff and volunteers; demonstrated ability to work successfully with people of varying backgrounds, skill levels, and interests
• Facility and grounds maintenance skills are desirable
• Experience with event planning is a plus

Education and Pre-requisites

QUALIFICATIONS
• A passion for NMWC’s mission and work, enthusiastic personality and a can-do attitude
• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Environmental Education, Wildlife Management, or related field required
• Extensive raptor handling experience required
• Minimum three years of professional experience working with native wild animal husbandry, training, enrichment with demonstrated knowledge of safe handling of potentially dangerous animals such as raptors, bobcats and/or venomous reptiles
• Minimum two years of administrative and staff supervisory experience
• Must be able to read, write, and speak clearly in English; Spanish fluency is highly desirable
• Willingness to learn new skills and share the knowledge with others
• Prior teaching experience either in the classroom or in non-formal settings
• Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention and familiarity with basic medications
• Ability to lift and or move 50 lbs
• Possess or obtain a valid New Mexico driver’s license
• Current First-Aid/CPR/AED certification preferred

Compensation and benefits

SALARY: $35K – $40K
BENEFITS: Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, partial health insurance reimbursement and holidays

Application instructions

For consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references to matthew@newmexicowildlifecenter.org. To view a complete position description visit NMWC’s website at www.newmexicowildlifecenter.org. No phone calls please.