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.
POSITION OPENING: EDUCATION INTERN
PURPOSE: This spring internship will provide basic knowledge concerning animal husbandry, animal care, and choice-based training. Education about New Mexico native wildlife and conservation is the focus of the department, and learning about NMWC resident species is necessary to the position. Aiding trainers in encounters and programs is included. This position offers the opportunity to observe training sessions with the Ambassadors and develop choice-based training skills in supervised sessions with NMWC staff.
CLASSIFICATION: Seasonal Internship, Full-Time
REPORTS TO: Ambassador Animal Program Director, Education Coordinator/Trainer, and Ambassador Animal Specialists
WORK HOURS: Work hours are seasonally variable, typically 5 days/40 hours per week. Some nights, weekends, and holiday work hours are required. Some in-state travel required.
POSITION SUMMARY: Education Interns will assist with many aspects of animal husbandry and care. Interns will fulfill daily tasks and responsibilities. This includes, but is not limited to: preparation of diets, enclosure cleaning, enrichment development, weight management, medication administration, record keeping, and following management orders.
During the internship, a project selected by the intern and Ambassador Animal Program Director will be completed.
Working conditions can be cold, hot, wet, and dry. Interns should be comfortable getting dirty as well as comfortable with meat preparation and fecal matter.
NMWC cares for multiple NM native raptor species, corvids, birds, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- In collaboration with NMWC staff, learn and implement animal husbandry and care:
- Preparation of diets and enrichment
- Proper cleaning of animal enclosures
- Enrichment development and application
- Enclosure maintenance
- Record keeping
- Preparation of medication
- Develop choice-based training techniques:
- Animal body language interpretation
- Raptor equipment training
- Shifting animals
- Animal nutrition
- Gain experience in public conservation education:
- Aid trainers in programs and encounters
- Speak with guests and answer questions regarding NM native species
- Each intern will complete one individual project before the end of their internship.
- Work closely with staff, volunteers, and other interns in a supportive manner. Treat all team members with respect.
SKILLS:
- Basic knowledge of animal training. Experience working with ambassadors is a plus.
- Interns will be very hands-on and should be confident in their ability to work in a variety of situations.
- Demonstrated ability to take both written and verbal direction; follow detailed instructions and complete assigned tasks.
- Proactive approach in resolving problems with a positive outlook and can-do attitude.
- Ability to work and communicate well with others, even on long days and in challenging/fast paced situations.
- Good judgment and confidence to work independently are important.
- Self-motivated, able to work independently with limited supervision and as a member of a team.
- Ability to multi-task and re-prioritize as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of New Mexican ecology
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong observational skills
- Experience speaking publicly and to diverse audiences
- Experience in animal care
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds safely.
- Must be legally entitled to work in the USA and over 18 years old to apply.
POSITION DATES AND DETAILS:
Dates: Start and end dates are flexible. Please be specific about your availability in your application. Housing for education interns is available January through May.
Length: The internship will be a minimum of 12 weeks in length. Work hours are seasonally variable, typically 5 days/40 hours per week. Some nights, weekend, and holiday work hours required. Some in-state travel required.
Salary: $15.40 per hour.
Housing: Free, shared, all-gender housing is available on-site for a maximum of 4 interns.
To apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Anna Tobin at education@newmexicowildlifecenter.org. Enter “Education Internship Application” in the subject line. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some duties are performed outdoors in various weather conditions, ranging from rain, wind, snow, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat. It is possible the employee will be exposed to dust and harsh chemicals that if not handled properly may present a health hazard. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Specific auditory acuity to identify animal noises indicating distress, aggression, pain and other conditions and behaviors; to hear warning signals from safety and security alarms and/or warning signals; to detect sounds associated with malfunctions in mechanical equipment and systems. Must possess sufficient manual dexterity, strength and ability to rotate wrists, elbows and shoulders to operate manual cranks, and pulleys and to use manual and power tools commonly used in routine maintenance. The incumbent must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The work environment may be exposed to inclement weather; pollen, mold, dust, dirt and other airborne contaminants; and temperature variations. Must be able to safely handle live animals and tolerate exposure to animal dander, animal wastes and other zoonotic contaminants. Must be able to work in close proximity to native wildlife species. Must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment.
- Note: Employees in this classification may be required to be COVID vaccinated; maintain and/or receive proper rabies vaccinations; and may be required to maintain current CPR and First Aid certification
DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee within this role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of an employee in this position.
EEO STATEMENT: NMWC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law. New Mexico Wildlife Center is an at-will employer and all NMWC employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.
