Ambassador Animal Specialist II
POSITION OPENING: Ambassador Animal Specialist II
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time hourly, non-exempt; this position is limited by all NMWC policies and local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
REPORTS TO: Ambassador Animal Program Director
SUPERVISES: Interns and Volunteers
WORK HOURS: Five days/40 hours per week which may include weekends; some nights and holiday work hours required; some travel required including occasional overnight and out of state.
SALARY RANGE: $21-$28 per hour
BENEFITS: Partial health insurance reimbursement, PTO, paid Holidays, Paid Sick Leave, IRA retirement plan, CoL stipend, additional benefits detailed in the Employee Manual
OVERTIME: Overtime is 1.5x regular hourly rate, with prior written approval of supervisor.
NMWC MISSION: Protecting New Mexico’s wildlife through rehabilitation, conservation, education and public engagement.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Ambassador Animal Specialist II position is an intermediate level position responsible for maintaining best current management standards of husbandry for our entire live animal collection as part of the Education department. This position will possess experience with training of and enrichment for native species, and will focus equally on mammals, raptors, and reptiles. The applicant must be able to work with potentially dangerous animals in a calm, respectful, and responsible manner and be able to identify issues with animals’ health and training. The correct use of operant conditioning and choice-based training is vital to the applicant’s success.
The Specialist II position is intended for an individual to participate in professional development, increase their responsibility and initiative, and have the opportunity and ability to problem solve independently. Opportunity for growth and skill development within the organisation.
The Specialist II, as part of the Education Staff, is responsible for the training, supervision, and evaluation of interns and volunteers. This role requires confidence in public speaking and conducting presentations with live animals. This position participates in all aspects of NMWC education programs, including on-site and off-site. The applicant fully supports NMWC’s strategic plan, mission, and core values, is passionate about the organization’s impact, and may represent NMWC at local, regional, and national meetings and conferences.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
AMBASSADOR ANIMALS
Responsible for the proper care, husbandry, and welfare of NMWC’s ambassador animals including training, enrichment, enclosures, furnishings, diet, and Quality of Life assessments ensuring the highest practical level of animal care. Responsible for animals under the applicant’s primary supervision, including diet management, cleaning, gear maintenance, mew/enclosure maintenance, and ambassador overall well being.
Actively observes animals’ behaviors, checking for signs of illness or disorder; reports any irregularities and abnormal behavior to the Ambassador Animal Program Director or Staff Veterinarian.
Collaborates with veterinarian and hospital staff concerning animal health; assists with medical procedures and examinations as necessary.
Develop and implement training and enrichment plans under the direction of the Ambassador Animal Program Director.
Adhere to all relevant USFWS, USDA, & DOW standards.
Participates in staff and training meetings and reports to the Ambassador Animal Program Director as required.
Participates in discussion of acquisition and disposition of ambassador animals, as well as euthanisia and quality of life decisions.
EDUCATION PROGRAM
Plays an active role in welcoming and hosting program participants and visitors, responding to questions concerning ambassador animals.
Independently lead and present animal presentations to guests with multiple animal species showcasing their natural behaviors. Programs may occur onsite or offsite. Transportation required.
Maintains working knowledge of all NMWC education programs.
Ensures the accuracy, relevancy, and quality of education program content.
Supports NMWC’s administrative, communication, and fundraising functions.
FACILITIES
Inspect, identify, communicate, and solve with the education team any maintenance repairs needed for the safety of animals, visitors, and staff as well as overall upkeep of the facilities.
Maintains adequate stock of all supplies including ambassadors’ diets, maintenance of enclosures, and purchasing orders for Education. Reports low quantities to the Ambassador Animal Program Director.
In coordination with the education team, work to help design facility and program upgrades for a Capital Campaign.
Other duties include but are not limited to hauling water/supplies, snow removal, grounds maintenance, dealing with local wildlife, organizing storage facilities, unloading hay/straw/produce deliveries, and maintaining clean employee areas.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum two years of experience working with raptors and/or native wild animal husbandry, training, and enrichment with demonstrated knowledge of safe handling of potentially dangerous animals is preferred; a combination of education, related volunteer work and professional positions may be considered. Preference given to 3+ years of experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Environmental Education, Wildlife Management, or related field.
A passion for NMWC’s mission of connecting people and wildlife through conservation and education and rehabilitation.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, learn and collaborate with other staff, and approach training, grounds maintenance, and general issues that arise with a positive attitude.
Ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality and to respect and observe organizational protocol.
Must be able to read, write, and speak clearly in English with a demonstrated proficiency and comfort with public speaking.
Ability to lift and/or move 50 lbs and able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
Possess or ability to obtain a valid New Mexico driver’s license.
Able to work a flexible work schedule and adjust as needed.
DESIRED SKILLS
3+ years professional experience working with wild, captive mammals in a professional setting.
Free flight experience desired.
Enclosure maintenance and ability to build enclosure furniture.
Ability to use and proficiency in safe use of power tools.
Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel).
Excellent organizational, writing and communication skills.
Ability to multi-task and work well alone or with others in a team environment.
Excellent time management skills; able to anticipate, plan ahead, and complete tasks on time.
Experience with risk management and emergency procedures.
Experience creating and delivering conservation/environmental education programs.
Spanish fluency.
NMWC ENVIRONMENT
A workplace that is understanding, supportive, and flexible.
Coworkers that are excited to be a part of a team and willing to discuss best training practices that can be applied to the Ambassadors. No decision is made in a vacuum, and all education staff are included in acquisition/disposition plans.
A facility that is growing and expanding its impact in the state of New Mexico, and is looking for a team member that is excited to make a difference and expand the scope of the mission.
Potential for cross-training with the hospital.
Autonomy in training, with prior demonstrated competency in methods and Ambassador Animal Program Director approval of training plan.
A respectful approach to working with the ambassadors and the foundation of choice-based training.
Dedicated professional development each year for every staff member. Attendance at conferences and workshops are included as options.
A Center dedicated to its mission of rehabilitation, release, and conservation through ambassador education.
To apply: Please send a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to matthew@newmexicowildlifecenter.org
EEO STATEMENT: NMWC is an equal opportunity employer.