Facility
The Wildcat Sanctuary
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Description: Applicants at the Animal Caretaker II level must be able to demonstrate significant knowledge of animal care, animal husbandry, animal behavior and safety practices; and be able to guide and mentor staff in the performance of those practices. This key position must be able to work as part of a collaborative team to help provide holistic care to each cat including all nutritional, medical, physical and psychological needs. The Animal Caretaker II role provides a wide variety of functions under direct supervision of the Sanctuary Manager, and is considered a working lead as opposed to a full supervisor.
Purpose: All Animal Caretakers will observe assigned animals on a daily basis, reporting any abnormalities; perform routine husbandry and environmental maintenance; feed prescribed diets; perform assigned and approved animal enrichment activities and trainings; assist in the restraint and treatment of animals; participate in non-routine animal transports, build habitats, pools and perches, along with being prepared to respond to emergency situations. Animal Caretakers will also work collaboratively with volunteers, staff and interns
Responsibilities:
Animal Care
• Provide all aspects of daily care for the animals in assigned areas.
• Maintain habitats, buildings and lockouts in a clean and presentable condition at all times.
• Observe the animal collection for any signs of illness, lethargy, injury, or dietary problems and report any problems to the Sanctuary Manager (SM) and/or Executive Director (ED).
• Assist the SM, ED and/or Veterinarian in routine animal examinations and medicate animals with any prescribed treatments. Help maintain Hospital and medical equipment in a “ready” state.
• Assist the SM with introductions and movements.
• Assist with procedures on a limited basis at the SM, Veterinarian, and/or ED’s discretion.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees as well as interact and communicate well with interns, volunteers, donors and contractors.
• Maintain daily reports, medical records, enrichment logs, and other records as needed in the assigned area.
• Complete projects listed on the Weekly Project List.
• Work efficiently to prioritize and complete any tasks designated within deadline or reasonable timeframe.
• Participate in the animal training (operant conditioning) and enrichment programs.
• Know animal species, names, history, personalities and behaviors.
• Perform basic restraint, crating/uncrating and transport of animals as required and must have the ability to operate various sizes of animal squeeze cages for medical purposes.
• Must be able to shoot rifles, shotguns, and capture dart guns as required and/or directed to assist in the animal escape and recovery plan.
• Must be available to work an overnight shift a minimum of 1 night per week.
• Must be willing and able to work a rotating schedule with flexible hours.
• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
• Must be able to climb ladders/stairs, lift crates/animals and/or equipment weighing 70lbs., operate mowers, handle fire hose for cleaning, operate weed eaters, hay elevators, motorized carts, tractors, dump truck, pickup truck, bobcat, chain saws, load and operate wheel barrows loaded up to 150 lbs., be agile and flexible to maneuver in and around animals within enclosures and holding areas.
• Other duties as assigned by the SM or ED.
Environment
• Inspect animal areas for security and safety of animals, staff and the public.
• Perform routine inspection and maintenance of buildings, enclosures, grounds, and equipment and report and structural or mechanical problems.
• Perform cleaning, maintenance and repairs to buildings, enclosures, grounds and equipment.
• Construct, modify, and maintain habitats, its contents and animal buildings.
• Participate with maintaining the grounds.
• Secure buildings, grounds and enclosures.
Perform other duties as assigned
• Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols. Demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures and SOP’s.
• Supervise and monitor the public and volunteers ensuring the safety of all individuals on property and animals.
• Assist with inventory control to maintain optimum levels of food, supplies, materials and equipment, and their cost effective procurement.
• Supervise workers and others as assigned.
• Perform record-keeping activities including logbooks, daily reports, animal records, etc.
• Participate in special events, marketing, and other promotional activities as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with other staff to meet the sanctuary’s overall revenue goals and objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications and Experience
• Ability to make a passionate commitment to the animals AND to the organization’s mission, vision and values.
• Provide “best practices” for the animals in our care including enrichment, medical care, spacious enclosures, diet, etc.
• Exhibit a positive “Can Do” attitude.
• Be an essential team player by trusting and respecting peers, as well as be supportive of other staff members.
• Comply with all “no contact” safety and animal care protocols.
• Demonstrate a very strong work ethic.
• Conduct yourself in a mature and professional manner.
• Honor confidentiality.
• Familiarity with key message and communication; demonstrate capacity to engage and communicate with supporters.
• Capable of working a flexible and rotating schedule of 40 hours per week. Ability to work varied schedules including weekends and some evenings and holidays.
• Four-year degree in biology/zoo related field. Exceptions can be made with the approval Executive Director.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in a sanctuary or similar setting caring for large carnivores.
• Experienced in Wildlife Handling and Chemical Immobilization.
• Experience with “no contact” and operant conditioning.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
• Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions from 100 degree days to below freezing temperatures.
• Possession of a valid driver license.
• Must have tetanus vaccine.
• Ability to understand and follow oral/written instructions, and communicate in an open and timely manner
• Ability to work safely, recognize safety hazards, and apply proper safety precautions
• Ability to operate vehicles such as trucks, vans, and utility vehicles, and motorized vehicles such as snow blowers and lawnmowers
• Ability to utilize hand and power tools
• Allergic conditions which would be aggravated when handling or working with animals may be a disqualification.
Training
• Trained on TWS’ chemical immobilization and fire arms safety protocol and equipment use within 6 months of start date.
• General knowledge of Zoonotic Disease and Sanctuary SOP’s
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
How to Apply:
Please send resume, cover letter, copy of driver’s license, and 2 reference
contacts to PO Box 314 Sandstone, MN 55072 or email the information to
sanctuarymanager@wildcatsanctuary.org. If emailing the document please try and send the
combined files in pdf format.