Facility
Longneck Manor
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Longneck Manor is looking for an Animal Care Specialist to work with our giraffes, rhinos, sloth and future animal ambassadors as we continue to grow.
Longneck Manor is a newly created (2021) zoological park in Fredericksburg, Texas, which connects live animal experiences with conservation action in the wild. Designated donations and a significant portion of earned revenue will go to its non-profit arm, the Longneck Manor Conservation Foundation to save animals in the wild. Exemplary animal care, conservation and great guest experiences are the core missions. All staff members must embody these core values and be able to communicate them to the public with passion.
We are in the process of applying for AZA accreditation and expect to be fully accredited by early 2023.
Every member of the Longneck Manor team should possess exceptional interpersonal skills, as well as superior animal care knowledge and commitment. Just like the animal residents, all team members are also conservation ambassadors and educators, who help to create unique encounters that touch the heart as well as the mind.
Phase One of Longneck Manor opened in September 2021 and includes a breeding group of reticulated giraffe (1.2) and a bachelor group (3.0) of white rhino, all born in AZA accredited zoos. Plans for additional species could include, two-toed sloth, okapi, and lowland tapirs (spp).
Guests are reservation only and limited to small tour groups and one overnight stay in our second story Giraffe Suite. Activities will include giraffe and rhino interactions, nature walks, birdwatching, stargazing, nature photography and conservation storytelling. Overnight guests will have private animal encounters as well as the option of shadowing an animal care specialist for part of their workday and learning more about animal husbandry and enrichment training.
Longneck Manor is a progressive conservation organization that will strive to continually provide greater support for saving wildlife populations and helping local communities to also benefit from these initiatives. These core values and programs are available in more detailed reports on Longneck Manor website (www.longneckmanor.com).
Duties and Responsibilities
• Providing the highest level of care and wellness of all animal residents.
• Ability to work closely and safely around large animal species.
• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 pounds without assistance or health risk.
• Administer all nutrition and medical treatments of the animals as prescribed by veterinarian or facility manager.
• Participate in animal enrichment and training on a daily basis.
• Maintain records and written reports.
• Ensures the proper protocols are adhered to for the safety of all employees and guests.
• Interacts with guests and donors and helps with VIP tours as needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to speak effectively on animal care and conservation.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, extended hours, days off and holidays in emergency and critical situations.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications:
Preferred two years experience with exotic animals in an accredited zoological institution. Communication skills and a ability to interact with diverse audiences. Must possess a valid driver’s license and proof of highest degree of education.
All team members will be expected to practice green, sustainable behaviors and become role models for the guests. A culture of conservation and informal education must be integrated throughout all facility operations and guest interactions. Advancing the conservation message and track record of Longneck Manor will be required of all team members. Professional training opportunities and conservation trips will be made available to employees who demonstrate exceptional work ethic and team spirit.
Personal Attributes
• Able to work and thrive in a team-oriented environment that is committed to collaboration and partnership development.
• Passionate commitment to the values and mission of Longneck Manor.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally to further the conservation goals of Longneck Manor.
Compensation and benefits
Competitive with an accredited zoological institution and based on prior quality of experience. The salary range will be between $18 to $22 per hour for applicants that meet all the criteria.
Professional training opportunities and conservation trips will be made available to employees who demonstrate exceptional work ethic and team spirit. Potential to travel both nationally and internationally for said trips.
Application instructions
Please send resumes and cover letters to jobs@longneckmanor.com
Professional References – Will be required after the initial interview.
For more information, please contact Mary Fields, Animal Care and Conservation Manager at: mfields@longneckmanor.com.
Or Rick Barongi at: rbarongi@gmail.com
Mailing Address:
Longneck Manor
1749 Beyer Road
Fredericksburg, TX 78624