POSITION OVERVIEW:
Join us! The Hungerford Nature Center is seeking an experienced, collaborative animal care manager to be part of our team as we grow. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to develop and execute big ideas, build a department that is known for excellence in animal care, and who is dedicated to developing themselves and their team.
This full time role manages the day-to-day animal care responsibilities for the Hungerford Nature Center with the support of 1-2 part-time staff and several volunteers. The organization cares for approximately 50 native and exotic animals including reptiles, mammals, birds, and livestock - both native and exotic - on 22 acres in Kensington, CT. The Animal Care Manager collaborates with other members of the leadership team to set strategic priorities for the animal care department aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and strategy.
The Animal Care Manager reports to the Executive Director, is a key member of the leadership team, and collaborates with other departments and participates in programs/ events as needed.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for consistent, safe, and ethical daily care of all animals
Maintains all required certifications, permits, licenses, and records
Supervises, trains, and evaluates animal care staff and volunteers
Ensures adequate supplies, feed, medications, and other animal care supplies are available and organized
Manages animal care budget
Organizes veterinary and other specialist care for all animals as needed
Collaborates with the Executive Director to create overall direction and strategy for the animal care department
Participates in program and fundraising events as needed
May provide specialized public animal programs as needed
Collaborates with facilities staff to maintain safe indoor and outdoor animal enclosures
Other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree (*significant experience may be substituted for degree*)
3+ years of direct animal care experience in a nature center, farm, zoo, or veterinary
Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
Ability and desire to work in a collaborative, team oriented environment
Familiarity with Google Suite
Vision, creativity, and a growth mindset perspective
ADDITIONAL HELPFUL QUALIFICATIONS
Proficiency using technological solutions for record keeping, inventory, staffing, etc.
Experience leading growth/change initiatives in organizations
WORK SCHEDULE:
Standard: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm. Flexibility possible.
Some evenings, holidays and weekends may be required
WORK LOCATION:
Hungerford Nature Center
BENEFITS:
12 paid holidays
20 PTO days year 1
6% employer match, after 6 months, in TIAA-CREF retirement plan
10% discount on gift shop merchandise
Free, family plus membership or equivalent membership category
2 free uniform shirts per calendar year plus stipend to purchase other branded items
Flexible schedule work opportunities based on business needs with Executive Director approval
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year