Job Summary
Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS) is seeking an Animal Care Manager who wants to use their skills and passion to advance farmed animal protection. The Animal Care Manager is responsible for the well-being of all CAS animals, the day-to-day operations of the Animal Care department and the supervision of Caregivers. Responsibilities, which are outlined below, vary from day to day based on staffing demands, general Animal Care needs, and administrative needs.
The Animal Care Manager must have a passion for our mission, be committed to veganism, experienced in the care of farmed animals and horses, physically able to perform strenuous animal care duties, be highly organized and able to efficiently manage administrative tasks while also training and supporting the Animal Care staff and responding to unexpected day-to-day demands. Equally as important, as a representative of CAS, the Animal Care Manager must always lead with love, acting in a kind and professional manner at all times with colleagues, volunteers, and the public. The Animal Care Manager reports to the Shelter Director and works hand-in-hand with the Health Care Manager.
Responsibilities/Duties
MANAGING ANIMAL CARE STAFF
- Scheduling Animal Care staff so that all feed runs, vet visits, farrier appointments, etc. are covered with enough staff to make the day run smoothly
- Manage staffing callouts by coordinating schedule adjustments and securing coverage as needed
- Set up, adjust, and manage daily work tasks, ensuring all necessary daily tasks are assigned and evenly distributed amongst Animal Caregivers
- Train new staff members and provide continuous improvement opportunities for Animal Care staff
- Maintain up-to-date documentation of each Animal Caregiver's training status and demonstrated proficiencies in assigned animal care tasks.
- Ensure tasks are being completed correctly and in a timely manner
- Ensure animal areas are being cleaned in a timely manner and that safe practices are being used at all times
- Lead with love: praising work well done, modeling a positive attitude at all times, and offer support to bolster struggling performance
- Report employee performance, conduct, attitude, and any policy or protocol violations to the Shelter Director in a timely manner, as appropriate
- Work collaboratively with the Shelter Director and Human Resources to manage employee performance through regular evaluations, coaching, documentation, progressive discipline, performance improvement plans, and other corrective actions in accordance with organizational policies
ADMINISTRATION
- Assist the Shelter Director in conducting phone screenings and working interviews for Animal Care candidates
- Complete tasks as assigned by the Shelter Director
- Keep up-to-date inventories of animal feed, hay, straw, and shavings, placing orders as needed using cost-effective measures where applicable
- Assist the Health Care Manager with the maintenance of the Animal Care Database
- Keep protocols, information, data and documentation updated and accurate
- Collaborate with Shelter Director and the Buildings and Grounds team to identify and prioritize maintenance needs
ANIMAL CARE
- Ensure the exceptional care, both physical and psychological, of each resident
- Respond to animal emergencies, assist Health Care Manager with vet visits in their absence, and coordinate the transport of animals offsite as needed
- Complete feed runs as needed
- Clean barns, stalls, crates, troughs and feed bowls, and help with necessary daily tasks as needed
- Administer medications and treatments as assigned by or in coordination with the Health Care Manager
- Communicates with Volunteer Coordinator to efficiently organize daily operations, ensuring proper training of volunteers and volunteer appreciation
- Identify and support animal enrichment projects for AC staff to implement improving animal wellbeing, shelters and grounds
- Collaborate with the Executive Director, Shelter Director, and Health Care Manager on animal intake, surrender, rescue, and adoption
- Work in conjunction with Shelter Director and Health Care Manager on making decisions about end-of-life care
Qualifications
- A passion for the CAS mission and personal commitment to veganism
- The ability to model a friendly, positive, tone with staff and volunteers at all times--in other words, to live out our “lead with love” ethos
- Degree in relevant fields: animal science, biology, zoology, etc.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to bring concerns to the Shelter Director quickly and effectively
- Extensive hands-on farmed animal experience (e.g. goats, cows, chickens, sheep, horses, etc.)
- Experience dealing with animal emergency situations
- Ability to perform necessary duties in enclosed and open environments year-round
- Strong organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced work environment
- Excellent time management as well as verbal & written communication skills
- Ability to work well with a variety of staff and external partners
- Valid driver’s license with clean driving record required
- This is a 5 day a week, fully onsite position that requires open availability and the ability to adjust their schedule as needed to accommodate covering vacations and sick days for other team members.
Work Environment
- This is a position that combines office administrative responsibilities with hands-on care for the animals
- Required to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including (but not limited to); rain, snow, extreme heat or cold, inclement weather, etc.
- Must be able to lift, carry, push or pull up to 75 lbs