Job Title: Wildlife Hospital Operations Manager
Reports to: Chief Programs Office (CPO)
Salary Range: $68,750 - $74,000
MISSION: For more than 60 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting Southwest Florida's water, land, wildlife, and future.
PURPOSE OF JOB: The Wildlife Hospital Operations Manager will direct activities connected with the von Arx Wildlife Hospital (vAWH), including administration of operational functions, public education on the wildlife hospital’s injury prevention and outreach, to support programs. Responsible in creating collaborative working relationships across all areas of the organization, and working directly with the Veterinarian, who is responsible for the medical treatment and care of injured native wildlife, rehabilitating patients, and permanent wildlife ambassadors. Strategic planning for all wildlife and animal care will be done in conjunction with the Chief Programs Officer. This position reports to the Chief Programs Officer and responsible for the general management and oversight of operations at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. This position provides strategic and tactical leadership, counsel, and direction to the team. Additionally, this position identifies and develops strategic growth opportunities, monitors performance, and implements strategies, policies, and procedures for the von Arx Wildlife Hospital operations that align with the Conservancy's mission and values.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Personnel and Volunteer Supervision:
• Full supervisory responsibility for promoting, retaining, training, continuing education, performance development, and performance management for staff, volunteers, and conservation associates (interns).
• Provides hiring recommendations for wildlife hospital staff and interns, training, performance reviews, corrective actions, and scheduling to support a sustainable and collaborative work environment
• Provide leadership to direct reports; develop and foster a positive, fulfilling work environment within the hospital.
Outreach and Collaboration:
• Develop positive work relationships with all levels of management and other departments; work collaboratively with internal and external partners for special projects or fundraising events.
• Collaborates with the Marketing and Communication Department to develop written materials and work with local press on vAWH issues.
• Works with the Grant Coordinator to apply for grants or in-kind donations related to the department.
• Collaborates with the Environmental Education team to provide public education and information programs.
• Serves as a liaison with law enforcement agencies regarding wildlife issues.
Administrative and Emergency Services:
• Manages the maintenance and data to support wildlife patient information and records.
• Effectively manages telephone inquiries, interactions with people who rescue wildlife, and sensitive or hostile situations.
• Coordinates the distribution of specimens for university and museum collections.
• Manages and schedules on-call wildlife care for emergencies.
• Collaborates on wildlife research activities in conjunctions with the Environmental Science Department and agencies.
Hospital Facility, Enclosure, Supply and Equipment Management:
• Responsible for managing the maintenance and cleanliness of the wildlife hospital building, outdoor enclosures and vehicles, with support from the Facilities team via reporting processes, and managing custodian contract support.
• Provides strategic planning, annual budgets, and procurement of equipment and supplies.
• Manages administrative support in ordering supplies, and equipment, within approved budget.
• Other responsibilities, as needed.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Mgt., Management, Administration, or one to two years of relevant experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in managing wildlife rehabilitation facilities and caring for injured wildlife or animals preferred.
• Proficiency in budget preparation and management.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, including managing staff and volunteers, and the ability to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in a not-for-profit organization is highly desirable.
• Deep commitment to biodiversity conservation, environmental quality, and natural resource preservation.
• Exceptional written and oral communication and experience in delivering public presentations.
• Expertise in all aspects of staff and volunteer management.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Demonstrated empathy and respect for teammates and wildlife.
• Ability to handle varied and sometimes difficult conditions: will be exposed to highly emotional situations, unpleasant odors, noises, and injured animals.
• Proficiency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting business periodicals, technical procedures, and regulations.
• Strong written communication skills for creating reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Effective verbal communication skills to present information and respond to questions from diverse audiences.
• Application of mathematical concepts like fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions in practical scenarios.
• Problem-solving ability in situations with limited standardization, with the capacity to interpret various forms of instructions.
• Flexibility to work variable hours and travel locally and regionally as required.
• Willingness to accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
The above statements describe the general qualifications required to perform the job and the general nature and level of work performed - not a complete list of duties; management may assign additional responsibilities.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS
• Valid driver's license and good driving record.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job description recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The job entails:
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk.
• Lift/move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• May spend time in the field and experience exposure to Florida outdoor weather conditions.
• Use of hands for various tasks.
• Visual abilities include close and color vision and peripheral and depth perception.
• Noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.
BENEFITS: Benefits include healthcare insurance, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Life insurance, 401k program, telemedicine, and short and long-term disability. Paid time off includes 12 days of vacation, four days of personal leave, 8.5 days of holiday, and up to 12 days of sick leave per year. The office is on our beautiful campus next to the Gordon River Greenway. Employees receive complimentary kayak usage and eco-cruise tickets, discounts in our Welcome Center store, and staff membership, including reciprocal benefits with other Nature Centers.
Date Posted: 11/08/2024
