Lead Animal Keeper Position - Full time (Nevada)

Details

Posting: https:/​/​safehavenwildlife.com/​join/​internships/​

Application Deadline: 01/31/2025

Starting Date: between 12/1/2024 and 1/31/2025

Hours per Week: 40                                                                                   

Salary: $20 per hour

Education Required: Some Undergraduate

Experience Required: at least 1 year

Location: 9605 State Route 400 (Imlay, Nevada) 

Description

Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Northern Nevada, is currently interviewing for a full-time Lead Animal Keeper position. Accredited by GFAS, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, Safe Haven provides lifelong care to abandoned and surrendered exotics. In addition to our mission of rescue, we also provide placement for retired animals from several Species Survival Plans, including the Cheetah and Snow Leopard Foundations.

Position Description:
The Lead Animal Keeper is responsible for assisting fellow lead keepers in the overall management and maintenance of the sanctuary, including staff, volunteers, animals, habitats, and buildings.  This position requires excellent communication and leadership skills.  Lead Animal Keepers report directly to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities:

Manage and assist with the daily care of animals and the sanctuary, including but not limited to:

• Coordinating and participating in habitat cleaning, repairs, and maintenance with other keepers and interns.

• Performing daily husbandry activities, including feedings, providing medications, habitat cleaning and maintenance, operant conditioning, training and enrichment.

• Monitor and document daily observations regarding animal health, behavior, diet and enrichment.
• Meet regularly with staff and interns to ensure that tasks are completed, and following standard operational procedures, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Prepare accurate and detailed daily reports to the Executive Director summarizing tasks completed.

• Assist with training of new keepers and interns as assigned, and delegating tasks as needed.
• Assist as needed during veterinary visits.

• Participate in safe capture procedures.
• Service and maintain tools, equipment, and facilities following safety guidelines.

• Maintain manuals regarding duties and care for assigned animals.

Interacting with Sanctuary guests and the public, including but not limited to:
• Assign and provide tours to the public and ensure safety practices.
• Engage with visitors and provide accurate information regarding the Sanctuary, animals, habitats, conservation status, and animal care.

This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as needed.  All staff, interns and volunteers, must adhere to safety protocols and a no-contact policy.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education & Formal Training:
• Bachelor's Degree in biology, animal science, zoology or related field strongly preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED accepted in lieu of degree, with prior industry experience in similar position.
Experience:
• At least one year of zoological or wildlife facility experience required.
• Previous leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, and procedures for proper care and training of exotic animals.
• Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for the care and maintenance of animals, habitats, grounds, and tours.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Other Minimum Requirements:
• Must have own transportation and a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather.
• Work 8+ hour shifts, 5 days per week, including weekends and holidays.

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, and Holidays, and be able to accommodate special events, emergencies, and animal care needs.
• 5-day work week with 2 consecutive days off.
• Full-time position, averaging 40 hours per week.

Benefits:
• 40-hour work week with two consecutive days off per week.

• 10 vacation days per year.

• Safe Haven is remotely located and optional free housing is available, apart from monthly utilities.

Submitted materials will be reviewed, and a phone interview will be scheduled.  Applicants can submit a cover letter, resume, and two letters of recommendation to: 

Contact

Lynda Sugasa, Executive Director

safehavenwildlife1@gmail.com (preferred contact method)