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 employee 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 employee 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 employee collaborates with the Director to improve tour guides presentations for the public and to improve patron interactions with the sanctuaries mission.
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
• Five (5) years’ captive animal husbandry experience required; sanctuary experience a plus
• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record required;
• Bachelor degree in biology, animal sciences, or a related field is preferred;
• Leadership experience, preferred;
• The ability to obtain certifications applicable to the functions of the position;
• Three (3) years’ of Zoo or sanctuary management or other animal care experience is preferred; or
• 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.
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 the animals and facilities of the sanctuary, ensuring animal health and welfare and public safety in the sanctuary operations;
• 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 safety and security of the employees, interns, and animals;
• Maintain sanctuaries facilities, animal enclosures and exhibits, and grounds to ensure cleanliness and public safety;
• Perform seasonal grounds keeping and landscaping work including, but not limited to, trimming, weed control, and snow removal;
• Provide customer service to the public. Provide information, answer questions and inquiries, and give tours, presentations, and demonstrations at the facility and off-site;
• 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;
• Direct and train part-time/seasonal employees, volunteers, and intern students;
• Perform cashiering and cash handling duties, including reconciling receipts daily;
• Perform maintenance and repair work on exhibits; provide suggestions and input for exhibit improvements;
• Operate specialized animal control and restraint equipment, including firearms;
• Operate a motor vehicle;
• Operate hand and power tools;
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance;
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations;
• Perform all duties in accordance with sanctuary policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.
Have working knowledge of water wells, electrical, habitat construction, welding, and some knowledge of refrigeration.
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.
Compensation and benefits
STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt
RATE OF PAY: $40,000
Application instructions
Mail, Fax, or email cover letter and resume to:
International Exotic Animal Sanctuary
The deadline for application is Nov. 15, 2014.
Atten: Richard Gilbreth
PO Box 637
Boyd, Texas 76023
Fax: 940-433-5092
Email: Richard@bigcat.org