AMBASSADOR ANIMAL SPECIALIST POSITION DESCRIPTION

NMWC MISSION:  Connect people and wildlife through conservation education and rehabilitation because a world with wildlife is a better world

CLASSIFICATION:   Full-time hourly, non-exempt               

REPORTS TO:  Senior Raptor Trainer

SUPERVISES:  Interns and Volunteers

WORK HOURS:  Five days/40 hours per week which may include weekends, some nights and holidays

SALARY RANGE: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour

BENEFITS:  Paid Time Off (PTO) 48 hours first year of employment; Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; Paid Sick Leave (PSL); Monthly Partial Health Insurance Premium Reimbursement ($300 single/$600 married); Cost of Living Bonus $300 monthly for FY2023-24

OVERTIME:  Overtime is 1.5x regular hourly rate, with prior written approval of supervisor.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

AMBASSADOR ANIMALS

• Responsible for the care, husbandry, and welfare of NMWC’s Ambassador Animals including training, enrichment, enclosures, furnishings, diet, and Quality of Life assessments.
• Implement and update training protocols and procedures.
• Completes and maintains accurate reports and records.
• Report animal care and habitat improvements to the Senior Raptor Trainer.

EDUCATION PROGRAM

• Plays an active role in welcoming and hosting program participants and visitors.
• Leads daily animal presentations for visitors.
• Ensures the accuracy, relevancy, and quality of Education Program content.

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 Education and Animal supplies.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• A passion for NMWC’s mission.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Environmental Education, Wildlife Management, or related field required.
• Minimum two years professional experience working with mammals and raptors related to husbandry, training, and enrichment; a combination of education, related volunteer work and professional positions may be considered.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak clearly in English with a demonstrated proficiency and comfort with public speaking. Spanish fluency highly desired.
• 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 adjust plans quickly and efficiently; identify and correct operational problems quickly; able to solve problems and make decisions often with minimal guidance.
• Experience creating and delivering conservation/environmental education programs.