Sanctuary Care Manager

American Humane is seeking an experienced Sanctuary Care Manager that will live on site and manage the day-to-day care of the property and all animal residents of the Sanctuary. American Humane is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

For more than 100 years American Humane has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people.  We are first to serve, wherever animals are in need of rescue, shelter, protection or security. Through our innovative leadership initiatives – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” program in Hollywood to broad-based farm and conservation animal welfare certifications, to rapid response rescue and care across the country – American Humane sets the gold standard as the most visionary and effective animal welfare organization in the nation.

Position summary:  

The Sanctuary Care Manager, Humane Sanctuary, lives on site and manages the day-to-day care of the property and all animal residents of the Sanctuary. The Manager, reporting to the Chief Veterinary Officer & Animal Ethicist (CVO) and SVP & Chief Operating Officer (COO), is responsible for ensuring the welfare, safety and proper care of animals residing on the property, whether their stay is short- or long-term, as well as managing vendors and ensuring the property remains in good condition.  Daily animal care duties include cleaning, feeding, grooming, administration of veterinary medications and treatments, providing enrichment, etc. for a variety of animals including horses, dogs, birds and other species yet to be determined.  Property care includes performing basic maintenance and managing vendors doing work at the property.  As Sanctuary programming grows and develops, the Sanctuary Care Manager will collaboratively work to develop volunteer opportunities and supervise the work of volunteers assisting in animals care work at the Sanctuary. 

Responsibilities:

Property Management:

As the Sanctuary grows, the eventual plan is for these duties to be reassigned to a separate position, but as the Sanctuary is being developed, the Sanctuary Care Manager will also take responsibility to:

• Regularly walk the property and keep an eye on things to ensure any issues are addressed or taken care of in a timely manner.  Perform basic, routine maintenance as needed.
• Manage vendors coming to the property to perform work, including both routine maintenance, such as lawn services, and larger projects, such as construction work on new facilities, flagging any issues and keeping leadership apprised of progress or issues.
• Keep leadership apprised of work being done on site, flagging any issues or communicating decisions that need to be made, particularly about things that may have short- or long-term impact on animal health and welfare.

Animal Care:

• Work with the CVO and other staff as appropriate to develop and review husbandry plans and procedures for animals residing at the Sanctuary.
• Maintain detailed records on the daily husbandry and medical care of each animal.
• Follow all proper and recommended veterinary medical care instructions.
• Provide appropriate quantity and quality of food and water to animals on a daily basis.
• Ensure animals are properly groomed, bathed and are provided with enrichment and exercised as appropriate.
• Monitor animals, noting any eating, drinking, health, behavior or temperament changes and informing CVO to discuss any issues.
• Work collaboratively with CVO and other veterinary care providers to develop and then implement specific veterinary medical care plans as needed to address particular issues with any of the animals.
• Ensure stress and disease risk are minimized by following best husbandry practices on housing and caring for animals.
• Follow established disease control protocols to extensively clean, disinfect and maintain kennels, cages, stalls and other areas of the Sanctuary.
• Administer basic first aid to any animal’s minor wounds as needed and consult local veterinary care providers for other medical conditions or health concerns.
• Assist in the vetting of prospective, new animal residents to the Sanctuary.
• Ensure the facility remains stocked with all necessary inventory, including feed, equipment and medications to properly care for animal residents.
• Ensure facility is fully operational with utilities, buildings, structures, fencing, and equipment functioning properly.
• As the Sanctuary programming grows over time, once developed, assist in the preparation for and facilitation of adoption events.
• Train, manage and oversee volunteers or other AH staff assisting on property with animal care.
• Assist with guest tours of the animal facilities as needed.
• Ensure a safe work environment, follow safety guidelines and model safe work practices; take immediate action to remedy or address any safety issues.
• Ensure the Sanctuary facility meets American Humane Certified Animal Welfare Standards, as they pertain to species residing permanently or temporarily at the Sanctuary.
• Liaise with office staff in Palm Beach and DC, in particular liaising with the Palm Beach Office Manager, regarding vendor relationships or other Sanctuary needs.
• Liaise with program staff regarding programmatic activities that may involve or impact resident animals.

Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities:

• High school diploma required, Associate’s or Bachelor’s level degree in Animal Science preferred
• Licensed Animal Care Technician or equivalent experience strongly desired but not required
• General knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and care important, equine experience required
• Proven knowledge and experience to safely implement and carry out care-related animal husbandry best practices for all species of animals residing at the Sanctuary
• Basic maintenance skills and ability to trouble shoot property issues before they become major problems.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful or emergency situations
• Effectively prioritize workload and need
• Ability to effectively work with a variety of people in different situations
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Maintain professional demeanor at all times
• Handle confidential information with a high level of discretion
• Use sound judgement; able to problem solve quickly and independently
• Ability to collaborate effectively and work as part of a team
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, in particular Outlook for email and scheduling, and Excel for record keeping.
• Ability to learn new technology and enter and track information in a database

Direct reports:

• None

Physical demands and work environment: 

• Position will be based out of American Humane’s Sanctuary facility in Palm City, FL; this position is residential and must live on site, no exceptions.
• Must be able to do heavy lifting, estimated 50 lbs or more, as needed for animal care and property management
• Must be able to bend, lift, push, pull, stoop, kneel, reach, manual dexterity, etc. in order to perform daily animal care needs
• Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with staff, volunteers, vendors, and animals
• Possible exposure to animal hazards such as dog bites and zoonotic diseases
• May require immunization against Hepatitis A&B, Rabies and Tetanus
• Must have valid drivers license and clean driving record
• May be required to submit to pre-employment and random drug testing as a condition of employment
   

American Humane’s core values define our workplace, and these values serve as the cornerstone for interactions in advancing our mission and institutional goals. Employees are expected to adhere to all organizational policies and to act as role models, demonstrating American Humane’s core values:

• Compassion – Being kind and caring in our interactions with others.
• Accountability - Holding ourselves to the highest standards. Following through on commitments and owning our actions, behavior, and decisions.
• Respect for All – Being professional, listening to others and honoring diversity in all its forms.
• Loyalty to Mission  – Staying focused on our purpose and our mission – our nation’s most vulnerable depend on us.
• Sustainability - Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future.
• Honesty, Integrity, Trust – Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another.

American Humane (AH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering and growing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and the humane space.

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