Ambassador Program Manager

Description

The Wildlife Center of Virginia is an internationally acclaimed teaching and research hospital for wildlife and conservation medicine, located in Waynesboro, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The Center’s mission is to “teach the world to care about and care for wildlife and the environment.” Since its founding in 1982, the Center has cared for nearly 100,000 wild animals, representing 200 species of native birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The current annual caseload averages about 4,000 patients.
The Wildlife Center has a professional staff of about 30 individuals who work together in the veterinary, outreach, development, and operations departments. While each of these departments carries out different functions, all staff work closely together as a team to support one another and the Center’s overall mission.

Under the guidance of the Director of Outreach, the Ambassador Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the care, training, and management of the Center’s non-releasable animal education ambassadors, which currently consists of ten raptors, two opossums, and seven reptiles. These animals are a critical part of the outreach “staff”; they help share stories of the wild animals that arrive at the Center each year in need of care and challenge people of all ages to take action to protect wildlife. As the Wildlife Center continues to grow, the Ambassador Program Manager will have the exciting opportunity to help shape the overall ambassador collection plan and goals for the Center’s ambassadors during this expansion.

The Ambassador Program Manager’s main responsibilities are to oversee animal ambassador training, husbandry, health, enrichment, record keeping, and permits. The manager also plays a pivotal role in developing and managing the Center’s on and off-site ambassador programs, utilizing positive-reinforcement training to display natural animal behaviors and teach the public about the Center’s work and steps everyone can take to help wildlife and the environment.

This position supervises the Outreach Coordinator and reports to the Director of Outreach.

Job Duties

The Ambassador Program Manager has a wide range of responsibilities, including:
– Co-managing the ambassador collection plan, including decision making for the addition of new ambassadors
– Advancing the training of the Center’s animal ambassadors and their handlers, utilizing industry best practices to prepare ambassadors for programs, public and media appearances, medical care, and more
– Overseeing all aspects of animal ambassador husbandry, including housing, cleaning, diets, and enrichment as well as coordination with the veterinary staff on medical care and assessment
– Ensuring proper record-keeping related to ambassadors care, such as meal scripts, weights, enrichment logs, training records, and more
– Managing all permits related to ambassador animals and artifacts, including state and federal permits and ensuring that the Center is USDA compliant at all times
– Mentoring and teaching the trainers who provide daily care for the animal ambassador collection
– Developing and managing on-site and off-site ambassador programs, with an emphasis placed on continually evaluating programs to creatively engage the public in new ways
– Supervise and mentor staff and volunteers who present on-site and off-site programs, both in ambassador participation and program content delivery
– Participate in all Center events that involve ambassador animals, including annual Gala fundraising events, donor visits, and other opportunities as needed
-Evaluate non-releasable animals as candidates for placement at other institutions, and manage the placement process
– Assist with the creation of the animal ambassador and program budget each year
– Other duties as assigned. The outreach department is an ever-evolving part of the Center’s overall mission

Skills Required

At least two years of supervisory experience in the management of an animal ambassador collection at a zoo, aquarium, rehabilitation center, or related facility
Demonstrated proficiency in animal training, and in mentoring other trainers
Experience working with raptors required
Experience creating and leading programs using animal ambassadors
Strong communication and public speaking skills
Team player; able to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds
Commitment to wildlife, conservation, and the environment
Ability to work calmly under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Computer proficiency preferred
Current driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Up to date on most recently available COVID-19 Vaccine
Must be vaccinated for rabies. If not vaccinated, the Center will cover costs associated with vaccinations

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, some weekend work required for events.

Additional Info

Please visit the Wildlife Center’s website to learn more and apply online. https://wildlifecenter.org/about/employment