Manager of Animal Care

Irvine’s Manager of Animal Care is primarily responsible for overseeing the care and maintenance of our extensive live animal collection (invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds of prey) and sharing these Animal Ambassadors with students in Irvine’s various education programs and with the public. The person in this role also manages Irvine’s interactive exhibits. This full-time position (with benefits) reports to Irvine’s Director of Education.

Areas of Responsibility:

   General Animal Care:

·       Oversee daily feeding, care, and enrichment of Irvine’s 50+ live animals, including 8-10 raptors at any given time

·       Order/prepare all necessary food and supplies

·       Keep daily, monthly, and seasonal logs of animal feeding, cleaning, health, and activity

·       Maintain lighting, climate, water pumps and plants in natural-setting animal exhibits and our newly-constructed Aviary

·       Work with local chapter of Trout Unlimited to raise triploid rainbow trout from eggs to fingerlings for release into local waterways; document development along the way

·       Train new animals so that they can be handled for educational programs

   Butterfly House:

·       Oversee seasonal set-up/break-down and daily maintenance of Irvine’s three-season butterfly house; includes gathering/ordering plants, eggs, & larvae

·       Train and schedule volunteer docents to give guided tours

   Exhibit Hall:

·       Regularly check and maintain interactive exhibits; order supplies as needed

·       Assist in planning, design, and installation of new exhibits

   Environmental Education:

·       Give regular animal presentations to student groups and community organizations

·       Design and lead Summer Nature Camp sessions on animal caretaking

·       Create short educational videos for use in Trout Unlimited’s ‘Trout in the Classroom’ program

   Other Responsibilities:

·       Coach and supervise small corps of volunteers and interns assisting with animal care

·       Train staff in live animal handling; monitor animal usage

·       Oversee budgets for animal care and exhibits

·       Make occasional contributions to Irvine’s online and print media

·       Assist with special events as needed

Qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife science, or related field

·       Extensive experience handling and caring for a wide variety of animals, including birds of prey

·       At least one year of environmental education/teaching experience

·       Strong knowledge of natural history; genuine interest in outdoor education

·       Desire to work with children as much as with animals

·       Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills

·       Flexibility to work occasional weekend or evening events

·       Team player; willingness to shift gears and help out with various education programs, when needed

Salary:  Commensurate with experience

To Apply:  Please send cover letter and resume, attn:  Brian Rollfinke, Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117 or email HR@ExploreNature.org by Nov. 10, 2021.