Work with and train raptors & herps! Full-time, on-site private housing!
North Alabama, Canyons, Waterfalls, Miles of Trails!
Animal Program Manager
- Location
- Nauvoo, Alabama
- Wages/Pay
- $30,000.00 / year
- Experience Level
- Some experience required
- Job Start Date
- Job Starts:
Dec 01, 2024
The McDowell Environmental Center (MEC) is seeking an Animal Program Manager to be the primary caretaker of our resident three raptors (black vulture, barn owl, and red tailed-hawk) and herps (box turtles, indigo snake, corn snake, southern banded water snake, pine snake, toads, and salamanders), and the manager of all animal programming. This is a full-time, benefitted leadership position that requires residing onsite at Camp McDowell.
The McDowell Environmental Center, situated in Nauvoo, Alabama, offers an overnight outdoor school experience for students and adults from across the southeastern United States. As a secular program, MEC welcomes all participants, regardless of race, religion, or gender, and emphasizes place-based and inquiry- driven learning. Typically, school groups spend three days and two nights exploring a diverse range of subjects, including aquatic and forest ecology, geology, natural history, team-building, and various skills-based classes.
Qualifications:
Demonstrate a respect and affinity for working with learners of all ages
Desire to work outdoors and be a member of a four person leadership team
Demonstrate maturity, initiative, enthusiasm, flexibility, and a collaborative mindset
Experience working closely with raptors and herps (training, handling, health care) for at least three years
Experience using operant conditioning and positive reinforcement when working with and training captive wildlife
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Ability to walk up to 4 miles daily
Ability to be on feet for 8-12 hours daily
Willingness to grow and learn more in the field of animal care and environmental education
Possess or be able to obtain prior to work current First Aid and CPR certifications
Act as a positive role model to visitors and staff
Be able to work and communicate with a variety of age groups
Preferred qualifications:
Working knowledge of the BEETLES Project teaching philosophy
Existing relationships with other animal care professionals
Ability to recognize and address animal emergencies
Have prior work experience in Environmental Education, especially in a leadership role
Be familiar with the outdoors, environmental issues and have a desire to learn local flora and fauna
Specific Responsibilities:
Animal Care Responsibilities - 65%
-
Manage daily animal care and programming for McDowell’s educational raptors and herps to include but not limited to:
Feeding animals
Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
Animal training and enrichment
Addressing medical concerns for animals
Scheduling and training animal staff for training, care, and evening programs
Manage and train seasonal staff in resident raptor/herp care and program facilitation
Create and coordinate seasonal staff training sessions for raptor/herp safety and care
Act as primary and often sole caretaker during the MEC off seasons (mid-December through early February, mid May through mid August)
Coordinate holiday animal care
Coordinate animal outreach and schedule outreach programs when time allows
Track, organize, and complete required legal license paperwork for raptors through US Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Alabama
Act as the Lead instructor for Birds of a Feather, Hop, Slither & Slide, and outreach programs when needed
Seek professional development to further the advancement and best practices of the animal program
Stay up to date on the best practices for the care and management of captive wildlife
Assist Director in managing and creating an annual Animal Care Budget of ~$10,000
Leadership Responsibilities - 20%
Attend conferences, fairs, and promotional events on behalf of MEC as needed
Serve as an Advisor to multiple (2-3) seasonal staff
Recognize and report any hazards to the MEC Director
Attend and participate in McDowell-wide All Staff meetings monthly
Attend and participate in MEC Leadership and staff meetings weekly
Lead sessions and participate in MEC staff training, occurring twice a year
Act as lead staff at meals and canteen once a week or more as needed
Be on-call one night a week for guests throughout the season
Teaching Responsibilities - 15%
Teach Environmental Center day classes as needed when schools are in session
Teach up to two evening programs per week when schools are in session
Benefits & Compensation:
$30,000 year salary with annual cost of living increases, and potential for performance raises
BCBS Health Insurance, with opportunity to add vision and dental plans at low cost
403b retirement plan with a 5% contribution and match up to 4% of gross monthly salary
Cell phone stipend of $120, paid three times per year
On-site, single occupancy private housing with all utilities included (high-speed internet, power, water, gas)
Meals provided onsite in dining halls when guests are present
50% discount on Alabama Folk School classes
Discounted summer camp youth sessions
Discounted guest lodging for family and friends at 50% off
Staff shirts provided every season with an additional 25% discount on all purchases at the Camp Store
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to MEC Director, Meredith Donaldson, at mecdirector@campmcdowell.org
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with preference given to those who apply before November 1st, 2024. The preferred start date for this role is December 1, 2024.
Contact Info
- Meredith Donaldson
- mecdirector@campmcdowell.org
- (205) 387-1806
- campmcdowell.org