Job Opening – Full Time Animal Care Director

Animal Care and Operation Director

Animal Place, 17314 McCourtney Road, Grass Valley, CA 95949

Organization Description: Animal Place is an animal rights organization promoting the protection of farmed animals and a vegan lifestyle. There are three facilities: a 600-acre sanctuary in Grass Valley, CA that serves as a permanent safe haven for more than 250 farmed animals as well as education center, the 60-acre Rescue Ranch facility in Vacaville, CA, and a 15-acre property for residential interns located next to the Grass Valley sanctuary. If you are unfamiliar with Animal Place, visit our website at www.animalplace.org before considering applying. This position will be working out of the Grass Valley site.

Position Objectives: To supervise animal care staff, interns, and volunteers in caring for all animals living at the sanctuary and to oversee the maintenance staff and sanctuary operations.

Job Title: Animal Care and Operations Director for Grass Valley sanctuary.

Reports to: Executive Director

Essential Duties and Primary Job Purpose

Responsible for managing and supervising the operation of the animal care staff, interns and volunteers and the maintenance staff. Oversees the feeding and cleaning of the animals and ensures the safety, sanitation of all animal barns and pastures. Provides staff and intern training, and prepares operational reports. Also responsible for regularly performing duties of an animal care worker. Additionally, oversee sanctuary maintenance operation.

Responsibilities

Staff supervision: Responsible for the hiring, supervision, promotion, discipline, and termination of animal care and maintenance workers, providing continual feedback and timely evaluations. Make daily inspection of sanctuary to ensure work is accomplished, animals are cared for, and animal enclosures are sanitary and property and vehicles are maintained. Monitors safety compliance of staff, interns, and volunteers.
Volunteer and intern oversight: Responsible for overseeing the scheduling and supervision of animal care interns and animal care volunteers.
Animal care work: Regularly performs the duties of an animal care worker.
Record keeping: Maintains numerous files and records that include but are not limited to animal population, medical care, incident, and personnel data. Maintains detail records on all medications used on animals. Prepares all animal care worker assignments and schedules.
Budget: Prepares budget, projection figures, and program estimates. Monitors expenses in relation to annual budget, and regularly reviews and modifies procedures to keep within budget.
Animal health: Monitors the health of sanctuary animals and insures proper medical care. Relates staff concerns to veterinarian regarding specific animals and insures veterinary instructions are properly carried out.
Meetings and communication: Conducts and participates in meetings with staff to review procedures, discuss workplace issues, and share ideas to improve animal care and facility maintenance. Provides weekly written reports to executive director and meets with him/her to develop long-range programs and regularly review policies and procedures. Works cooperatively with education and administrative staff in outreach efforts. Keeps all staff updated on status of animal care.
Inventory: Oversees all animal care inventories, handles ordering of supplies and equipment, and assures that appropriate quantities of all supplies are on hand. Regularly inspects animal facilities and sanctuary ground for needed repairs, and maintenance and informs maintenance staff of equipment, barns, fencing or vehicles needing attention
Hiring and training: Recruits, selects, and trains new staff providing for their growth and safety. Strives to remain current on farmed animal care.

Qualification Requirements

At least four years in a management or supervisory position.
Demonstrated supervisory knowledge to include supervision and motivation techniques, and basic training methods. Knowledge of decision-making techniques, skill in mediating dispute, conflicts, and grievances.
Demonstrated personal communication knowledge to include effective phone skills, effective interviewing techniques, public speaking, and ability to communicate effectively in writing, and orally.
Knowledge in animal health and well-being to include nutritional needs and resources. Ability to identify signs of animal illnesses and injuries.
Experience with farmed animals preferred by not necessary.
Interest in the animal protection movement and commitment to a vegan lifestyle.
Experience working in a sanctuary setting desired.

Working conditions:

Early morning and some evening work depending upon the season and needs of animals. Flexibility is essential as holiday, weekend and evening work will be required.
Work is performed at a sanctuary with exposure to seasonal outdoor conditions
Animal contacts and related injuries may occur.
Lifting of up to 40-lbs with reasonable accommodation.
Frequent walking, bending and stooping.

Benefits: Medical Insurance plan; 6 paid holidays; sick leave; 2-weeks vacation per year

Salary: Dependent upon experience.

Start date: June 1, 2015

How to apply: Email resume and cover letter to: humanresources@animalplace.org