Animal Care Area Manager

Job Description

The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS) seeks a highly motivated Animal Care Manager with effective team management skills to directly work in animal care and lead the Animal Care team. The Animal Care Manager will train as a caretaker and will be expected to step into coverage for absences and emergencies when necessary, including holidays and overnights. The Animal Care Manager is responsible for all work performed by themselves and their staff in a manner that reflects the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct, performance, and safety. This position involves approximately 80% outdoor direct care and 20% office workload responsibility. TWS is accredited by The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and a member of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance. About The Wildcat Sanctuary: TWS is a rescue organization that is home to over 140 wild cats. Our mission is to provide a natural sanctuary to wild cats in need and inspire change to end the captive wildlife crisis. Our non-profit sanctuary is nestled between the beautiful lakes, fields, and forests in rural Sandstone, Minnesota, located between Duluth and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. This is an onsite position, and applicants should embrace rural living in Minnesota’s 4 seasons. Purpose: Under the general direction of the Operations Director, the Animal Care Manager will work alongside and manage their animal caretaker team. The Animal Care Manager will provide work direction, assign tasks, provide feedback, participate in the hiring and termination of employees, and address conduct, performance, and safety. It is critical that the Animal Care Manager creates a cohesive and effective team that supports the sanctuary’s mission and strategic plan. Responsibilities: Be trained in all SOPs and work alongside animal caretaker employees and interns in their daily work routines to fulfill animal care duties in their zones as workload and absences require. Responsible for daily implementation, enforcement, and oversight of approved policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the highest standards of care and safety by working alongside your team. Facilitate and maintain clear communication between all departments and leadership. Lead animal care staff and intern interviews for candidate selection, onboarding, and terminations as necessary and lead annual review processes. Empower and motivate staff members through training and with career development and goal achievement for themselves and the sanctuary at large as a priority. Supervise inventory control to maintain optimum levels of food, supplies, materials, and equipment in a cost-effective manner for your zones. Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulatory agencies including, but not limited to following DEA, GFAS, USDA, OSHA, MDH, and EPA. Act as safety officer for the zones you oversee and the sanctuary as a whole, this includes participating in scheduling safety drills, maintaining the safety equipment, ensuring safety training and practice, and completing safety audits. Oversee the daily schedule and work with the animal care department to ensure efficiency and proactively reduce unnecessary overtime hours. Oversee animal care project objectives while prioritizing the psychological well-being of our residents, ensuring enrichment goals are met and habitat modifications and maintenance are completed in a timely fashion. Lead planning and oversight of volunteer construction and maintenance crews, as well as other volunteers assigned to the animal care team. Participate in special events, marketing, and other promotional activities as assigned. Coverage of staff absences which may include overnights and holidays. Experience: Minimum four (4) years’ experience in successfully direct supervision, coaching, and appraising, and providing performance reviews for staff and/or interns. Background in a regulated industry where compliance laws and standards were strictly adhered to. Background in supervisory position within the animal care field is preferred, but not required. Other Requirements: Commit to the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic anchors, including our “no contact” policy. Commit to animals by focusing on individualized care and continually going above and beyond when it comes to animal care, habitats, enrichment, behavior training, and housing. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions from 100-degree days to freezing temperatures. Must have tetanus vaccine. Ability to work safely, recognize safety hazards, and apply proper safety precautions. Adhere to Sanctuary policies, procedures, and protocols. Foster an open and inclusive work environment by modeling TWS behaviors and values, consistent with the vision, mission, and strategic anchors of the organization. Professional respect, empathy, and kindness toward coworkers, managers, and subordinates, as well as donors and volunteers. Friendly and outgoing personality with a willingness to guide, teach and learn from others, including interns and volunteers. Understanding that this is a non-traditional, full-time position requiring a flexible, non-traditional schedule and commitment. Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced environment and embrace flexibility. Must be able to handle the physical and emotional aspect of work in a sanctuary and have a high level of resiliency. Critical thinker who can offer recommendations and creative solutions. Willingness to do what is needed in the moment to benefit the animals and organization (Regardless if this falls under job description). Must be results-oriented, self-reflective, and take responsibility for actions. Attention to detail as it pertains to animal wellness and safety. Always going above and beyond for the animals. Possession of a valid driver license. Reliable transportation to our rural location in all four seasons is required. Willingness to accommodate TWS dogs and domestic cats in the workplace. Due to the nature of the workplace, a clean background check will be required prior to a candidate’s start date. Compensations and Benefits: • 100% employer paid Short Term Disability and Life Insurance #J-18808-Ljbffr