Facility
International Exotic Animal Sanctuary
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Assistant Director directs and monitors the daily work assignments of the keepers and interns, ensuring that all work tasks are completed in compliance with sanctuary policies, AZA standards and USDA, and Texas Parks and Wildlife standards. The Assistant Director serves as the liaison between the staff and Director and reports all disciplinary matters to the Director. In the absence of the Director, the Assistant Director assumes responsibility for decisions concerning sanctuary operations, animal care concerns, emergency procedures during an animal escape, and public relations with sanctuary tours, patrons, and donors.
This job serves as the primary trainer to the staff on all policies and procedures related to animal diet preparation, administration of medication, animal transfers, animal enrichment and training programs, writing grants, and animal husbandry. The job also serves as the Sanctuary registrar, entering appropriate data into the medical database, including new animals, daily veterinary and medical records, enrichment, and training information. This job collaborates with the Director to improve tour guides’ presentations for the public and to improve patron interactions with the sanctuaries mission.
Knowledge, skills and ability to:
• Direct and monitor Sanctuary and intern keepers’ work assignments;
• Train interns and keepers on sanctuary policies, AZA standards and USDA rules and regulations;
• Maintain sanctuary animals including, but not limited to, preparing and delivering food, cleaning and maintaining cages and enclosures, observing behaviors, assisting in rendering medical care and attention, providing habitat and emotional enrichment, participate in the training program and ensuring their safety and security;
• Oversee sanctuaries’ facilities, animal enclosures and exhibits, and grounds to ensure cleanliness and public safety;
• Assist veterinarians in providing medical attention and care to animals, including capturing, sedating, and medicating, as directed;
• Maintain records, documents, and logs of animals for sanctuary database. Prepare reports, as directed;
• Maintain inventory of food, supplies, medications, and equipment, including ordering and reconciling orders on delivery;
• Assist in maintenance and repair work on exhibits; provide suggestions and input for exhibit improvements;
• Operate specialized animal control and restraint equipment, including firearms;
• Perform all duties in accordance with sanctuary policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.
Capable of writing grants, proposals, inputting data in the sanctuary’s website
Physical Requirements:
Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel and bend. The job requires finger/hand dexterity and the ability to handle animals, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and operate a motor vehicle and job-related equipment. Sufficient visual acuity, speaking ability and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. This job is a 24/7 if needed.
Education and Pre-requisites
The position requires:
• Must possess a degree in zoological or biological sciences or the equivalent of five years in managing animals in a zoological park or related institution. Must have a demonstrated interest and expertise in the management of a diverse selection of species, with a strong focus on carnivores, bear species, and other species in sanctuary care: see www.bigcat.org
• Sanctuary experience a plus
• ‘Driver’s license and a good driving record required;
• The ability to obtain certifications applicable to the functions of the position;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
• Demonstrate leadership in all areas of animal management, staff development, and inter-departmental collaboration. Must have proficiency with computers, animal management programs, and good communications skills. All behavioral methods that ensures enrichment in sanctuary care including behavior, emotional behavioral and behavioral husbandry.
Compensation and benefits
SALARY: $50,000 yearly plus Modern 2 BR house with paid utilities on site.
Application instructions
The deadline for application is June 1, 2015.
Mail, Fax, or email completed application and resume to:
International Exotic Animal Sanctuary
Attn: Richard Gilbreth
PO Box 637
Boyd, Texas 76023
Fax: 940-433-5092
Email: Richard@bigcat.org