Facility
New Mexico Wildlife Center
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Purpose of Position:
The Education Assistant (EA) works closely with the Education Animal Curator (EAC) and the Education Coordinator (EC). The EA has an important role in caring for the nearly 40 Ambassador Animals, supporting the EAC in animal husbandry and training. The EA supports the EC and other staff in presenting wildlife education programs as needed. This position also has a significant role in record-keeping and working with volunteers, as well as working with the public daily during open hours. The EA’s regular duties will be divided approximately 75% animal care and 25% education program support.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Support Education Animal Curator (EAC) in caring for all Animal Ambassadors daily, functioning as animal care lead the on EAC’s days off. Assist with their training as assigned. Safely and professionally handle animals in accordance with all NMWC policies and procedures.
• Provide the best welfare for all Animal Ambassadors; continuously evaluate welfare of the animals and provide feedback to EAC and managers regarding observations and suggestions for improvements.
• Keep careful, accurate, and timely records of animal care, behavior, and training. Assist with ZIMS data entry.
• Present educational programs on- and off-site to school groups throughout the year as needed. Engage volunteers in assisting with education programs, in accordance with NMWC policies. Keep accurate records of program data.
• Work with team members to evaluate all programs and continually improve programming based upon feedback received.
• Participate in programs and activities at fundraising and educational events. Lead on-site tours and train volunteers to become tour leaders and program presenters.
• Assist with development and maintenance of wildlife education program materials.
• Stay up to date on current trends and knowledge in education and animal care, welfare, and training.
• Represent NMWC in a professional manner at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
Minimum Requirements:
• A passion for NMWC’s mission, and for teaching and learning. A good understanding of issues facing wildlife and habitats.
• Excellent communication skills, including a proficiency in and comfort with public speaking.
• Experience with the effective use of operant conditioning with wild animals, and a dedication to the welfare of animals in human care.
• Candidate must have current rabies pre-exposure vaccination, or be willing to receive vaccination within first 90 days of employment.
• Willingness to assist other team members and support them in their duties when needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work successfully with people of varying backgrounds, cultures, skill levels, and interests.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied and occasionally extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Fluency in English language is required.
Desired Skills:
• Experience caring for and handling captive wildlife, especially raptors, is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field is preferred, but experience may substitute for education.
• Experience working with school-aged children is preferred.
• Successful experience working with volunteers is strongly preferred.
• Ability to speak Spanish is preferred.
• Knowledge of or fluency in local native language and/or culture is highly desirable.
EA schedule includes working at least one weekend day per week. Schedule regularly includes some government holidays and may require occasional overtime.
Compensation and benefits
Salary $15.50/hour. Fulltime, non-exempt, 40-hours per week. Temporary onsite housing available if needed during relocation. Health insurance benefits available.
Application instructions
Send resume, cover letter and three references to NMWCApplications2020@gmail.com Please put EDUCATION ASSISTANT in the subject line. Closing date is January 10, 2021.
NMWC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our programs and employment are open to all. We value diversity and do not permit any discrimination against applicants, employees, or volunteers on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or disability, or any other status protected by applicable law or statute in any of our policies or programs.