Facility

EcoTarium, Worcester, MA

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

The EcoTarium, New England’s leading Science and Nature Center, seeks an enthusiastic professional to lead the Wildlife Department as the museum and the department embark on several initiatives, including the addition of new indoor and outdoor exhibits, working towards accreditation by national organizations such as AZA and AAM, and an on-going drive to increase the museum’s profile locally, regionally and nationally. While participating in and maintaining an ever-increasing standard of animal care, the Manager of Wildlife will serve as a hands-on member of the animal care staff as well as collaborate within and across departments to help implement:

• A capital project including several new outdoor multi-species animal exhibits, a new quarantine building; along with hands-on interactives which deepen visitor engagement at animal exhibits;
• New indoor animal exhibits within a new permanent exhibit about city science;
• Continue the department animal training and enrichment activities, increasingly showcasing them to the public;
• Increasing the wildlife staff delivery of public programs and in evaluation of those programs; and
• Increasing the department’s involvement in fund-raising initiatives.

The Wildlife Department is responsible for the care, maintenance and health of approximately 100 individual animals, representing about 40 species. The collection includes animals in indoor and outdoor exhibits and animals housed off-display used in programs. It includes mammals, birds, reptiles, small marine animals and insects, including native species unable through injury or conditioning to live in the wild. The Department consists of 6 paid staff,(manager included), along with dozens of unpaid staff including veterinary and vet tech interns, and adult and youth volunteers.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and participate in the daily care of the animals, including all training and enrichment activities
• Hiring, training and supervision of full-time and part-time staff, interns and volunteers
• Oversight and compliance with federal and state regulations, museum’s collection policy,
and professional standards for record keeping; update policies as required to reflect changing regulations and accreditation requirements
• Leadership in planning, fabricating and maintenance of animal habitats and exhibits
• Develop and implement procedures and protocols for access and handling of wildlife, staff safety and emergency situations
• Foster regular Wildlife department delivery of public education programs featuring the wildlife collection
• Active member of appropriate cross-departmental committees, such as the Accreditation Committee and Outdoor Experience Committee
• Advise other departments on activities or projects which could impact non-captive, resident wildlife on the 55-acre museum campus
• Strategic planning for department
• Develop and monitor annual budget for department
• Represent the institution in public forums, professional conferences and the press
• Must be available to work a weekend day each week and be on the rotation schedule for holidays

Education and Pre-requisites

• B.S. (M.S. preferred) in Biology, Animal Science, or related field preferred
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a minimum of 3 years supervisory experience
• Ability and experience in team building and fostering a positive, collaborative working environment
• Demonstrated experience working with Veterinarians and working knowledge of common medical procedures
• Five years of animal care experience, preferably in a AZA accredited institution
• Experience with record keeping systems, such as ISIS and a working knowledge of accreditation requirements
• Technical and practical knowledge of the care and maintenance of animal habitats
• Strong oral and written communication, public education and relevant computer skills.
• Experience with overseeing the design of exhibit/habitats and animal care facilitates
• Experience with inquiry-based, informal educational programs using wildlife collections
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects, climb a 5 foot ladder and work outdoors in all conditions
• Must pass a CORI background check in accordance with EcoTarium guidelines

Compensation and benefits

Salary commensurate with experience including full benefits

Application instructions

Send cover letter, resume and three references to: Human Resources, Attn: Manager of Wildlife, EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604 or email: resume@ecotarium.org. AA/EOE