Animal Care Assistant at Stamford Museum & Nature Center in Stamford, CT, USA
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Job Description
<p><strong>Lead Animal Care Specialist & Assistant Farm Manager (Full-Time)</strong></p> <p>Reporting to the Farm Manager, the Lead Animal Care Specialist & Assistant Farm Manager position is a full-time, non-exempt position working primarily Tuesday-Saturday from 8:30-4:30, although some early/evening hours and weekend days per month (outside of regularly scheduled special events) will be required.</p> <p>This position will be responsible for overall day-to-day management of our exotic animals' exhibit space, including supervising staff, interns, and volunteers, managing supply budgets, overseeing and participating in daily care of the live animals and plants, interacting with the public within the exhibit space, and upkeeping the space.</p> <p>This position will also be responsible for oversight of staff in the absence of the Farm Manager, as well as assisting in the care and cleaning of farm livestock during scheduled farm shifts. This position will also occasionally teach farm or animal-based programming, including our Junior WILD Keepers program.</p> <p>This position will split time between exotic animal care duties and Heckscher Farm duties, typically with mornings on the farm and afternoons for exotic animal care.</p> <p>Specifically, the Lead Animal Care Specialist & Assistant Farm Manager (Full-Time) will:</p> <ul> <li>Be responsible for the overall day-to-day coordinator of the Heckscher WILD! Exhibit</li> <li>Train and manage interns and volunteers in proper animal husbandry and schedule accordingly</li> <li>Create animal care policy and procedures and work to enact for all paid and non-paid staff</li> <li>Work with Farm Manager & Director of Education to ensure the health and well-being of all animals</li> <li>Keep records for veterinary visits, animal intakes and permits, as needed</li> <li>Manage and report on annual supply budgets, visitor attendance, and volunteer hours</li> <li>Interact with the public within the exhibit through scheduled programs and non-scheduled 'teaching moments'</li> <li>Manage farm staff, interns, and volunteers on scheduled farm shifts in absence of Farm Manager; serve as department lead in absence of Farm Manager or Director of Education</li> <li>Handle any staffing, safety, or other issues that arise in absence of Farm Manager</li> <li>Assist with daily care and feeding of all farm livestock and otters</li> <li>Teach occasional educational programs such as farm tours, live animal programs, or Junior WILD Keepers.</li> <li>Staff and support SM&NC special event weekends, such as Harvest Festival and Spring on the Farm</li> <li>Additional duties as assigned</li> </ul> <p><strong>Job Type:</strong> Full-time</p> <p><strong>Pay:</strong> $20.00 - $22.00 per hour</p> <p><strong>Expected hours:</strong> 35 per week</p> <p><strong>Benefits:</strong> </p> <ul> <li>Dental insurance</li> <li>Employee discount</li> <li>Health insurance</li> <li>Health savings account</li> <li>Life insurance</li> <li>Paid time off</li> <li>Retirement plan</li> <li>Vision insurance</li> </ul> <p><strong>Schedule:</strong> Weekends as needed</p> <p><strong>Ability to Relocate:</strong> Stamford, CT 06903: Relocate before starting work (Required)</p> <p><strong>Work Location:</strong> In person</p>
AI Powered Job Insights
Animal Care Assistant Position Just Posted! Stamford Museum & Nature Center is seeking a qualified individual for the role of Lead Animal Care Specialist & Assistant Farm Manager. This role is ideal for those passionate about animal care and education, ready to engage with a variety of exotic animals and assist in farm management. 📍 Location: Stamford, CT 06903 💼 Position: Lead Animal Care Specialist & Assistant Farm Manager ⏰ Type: Full-time 📅 Date Posted: 2024-07-18 Role Summary: - The role involves managing the day-to-day operations of the exotic animals' exhibit and overseeing farm livestock care. - Candidates will be responsible for training and supervising staff, interns, and volunteers, along with engaging with the public. - The position includes a mix of administrative oversight and hands-on animal care activities. What You'll Do: - Oversee the Heckscher WILD! Exhibit operations, ensuring animal health and well-being. - Manage and train volunteers and interns in animal husbandry practices. - Create and implement animal care policies and procedures. - Keep detailed records of veterinary visits and animal intake. - Facilitate interactions with the public, including educational programming. - Assist with care and feeding of farm livestock and otters. - Support during special events, such as Harvest Festival and Spring on the Farm. What's Needed: - Availability for a Tuesday-Saturday schedule, with occasional early or late shifts. - Strong leadership skills to manage staff and volunteers. - Passion for animal care and education, with ability to conduct programs for the public. - Commitment to maintaining health, safety, and cleanliness standards within animal exhibits. - Ability to relocate to Stamford, CT, before starting work. Compensation: - Pay ranges from $20.00 to $22.00 per hour, with an expected 35 hours a week. - Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.
Top Interview Questions
- Q: Can you describe your experience with animal husbandry, particularly with exotic animals and livestock?
A: I have over five years of hands-on experience in animal husbandry, including caring for both exotic animals and livestock. At my previous position, I was responsible for daily feeding, health assessments, and habitat maintenance for various species. I prioritize understanding their behavioral needs and creating enriching environments to ensure their welfare.
- Q: How do you manage and train volunteers and interns in a dynamic environment like a nature center?
A: I believe in a structured approach to training volunteers and interns, combining hands-on demonstrations with clear protocols. I create a detailed orientation process that includes shadowing experienced staff and practical sessions to reinforce learning. Regular feedback sessions are key to enhance their skills and ensure they feel confident in their roles.
- Q: Describe a situation where you had to deal with an emergency involving animals. What steps did you take?
A: In a previous role, we faced an emergency when one of the animals displayed signs of distress during public hours. I calmly assessed the animal's condition while ensuring the safety of visitors. I quickly alerted the veterinary team, instructed volunteers to maintain a safe distance, and provided educational information to visitors about the situation. The animal received prompt care, and the incident was managed without panic.
- Q: What strategies would you use to engage and educate the public during interactive experiences at the animal exhibit?
A: Engaging visitors requires a mix of storytelling and interactive activities. I would implement hands-on demonstrations, such as feeding sessions or habitat explorations, and incorporate educational games to make learning fun. Sharing fascinating facts about the animals’ behavior and conservation status can also pique interest. Moreover, I would tailor the experience to different age groups for maximum impact.
- Q: How would you approach budget management for animal care supplies and ensure timely reporting?
A: To manage the budget effectively, I would start by conducting a thorough inventory of needed supplies, along with historical spending data to predict future needs accurately. I would track expenses in real-time using spreadsheets to identify any variances and adjustments. Regularly reporting these findings and collaborating with team members on cost-saving initiatives would also help ensure we stay within the budget while maintaining high animal care standards.
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Salary Benefits
$20 - $22 /year
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