The National Marine Life Center, a marine animal rehabilitation and education facility in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts is seeking qualified applicants for a part time (0.6 FTE) Animal Care and Programs Assistant position ( http://nmlc.org/about/staff/job-opportunities/ ). This is a one-year, grant funded position. Continuation and/or expansion of the position depends on successful funding. The position description and details on how to apply are outlined below.

SUMMARY:

Working with the Animal Care Coordinator and Veterinarian(s), the Animal Care & Programs Assistant is responsible for all aspects of animal care and husbandry, including maintaining the facility and life support systems and helping to train and supervise animal care volunteers. The position also delivers education programs, represents the organization at events, writes grants, and assists with all aspects of fundraising.

RESPONSIBILITIES – ANIMAL CARE & FACILITIES:

• With the Animal Care Coordinator, manages all aspects of animal husbandry at the National Marine Life Center;
• Manage the facilities and life support systems, including tank maintenance, hospital equipment maintenance, daily cleaning and upkeep of filtration systems, and general cleaning and restocking;
• Handle and restrain animals, including seals, sea turtles, native turtles, etc.
• Prepare animal diets, feed, and clean;
• Assist with medical care of patients, including administering medications, vitamins and fluids; treating wounds; and helping with routine medical exams, blood work, radiographs, surgeries; and necropsy;
• Perform animal-related and facility-related laboratory work, including water quality testing, in-house blood and sample testing, and sending samples out for analysis to outside laboratories per established protocols;
• Ensure proper record-keeping, including on-line and paper animal medical charts, facility logs, drug logs, volunteer logs, and other necessary documentation;
• Assist with miscellaneous facility projects (e.g., painting, landscaping, building);
• Train, supervise, manage, and maintain good relations with and communication with animal care volunteers and interns.

RESPONSIBILITIES – EDUCATION, MARKETING, FUNDRAISING:

• Schedule, organize, and deliver on- and off-site educational programs to the public and to community groups;
• Train, supervise, manage, and maintain good relations with and communication with education volunteers and interns;
• Develop educational programming;
• Participate in fundraising activities such as grant writing, special events (e.g., Feet, Fins & Flippers 5K, Mermaid Ball, Spectacle of Trees), and solicitation of donations;
• Assist with managing NMLC’s social media, newsletters, and other marketing channels;
• Assist with general office and building duties, including cleaning chores; and
• Additional duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must demonstrate ability to work well with others, including staff, board, & volunteers.
• Must be available and willing to work weekends and holidays.
• Must demonstrate good written and oral communication skills.
• Must maintain good relationships with the Animal Care Coordinator and staff Veterinarian(s) and provide frequent and sometimes daily updates in person or by phone on issues of animal health so that the entire team is current on the status of all animals.
• Must be able to calculate drug doses and perform medical treatments and follow established medical protocols, collect diagnostic samples, and data.
• Must be able to endure some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as medical equipment and boxes of medical supplies. The work may require specific but common physical characteristics and abilities such as lifting up to 50 pounds, above-average agility, and dexterity.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Experience with target species (seals, sea turtles, and cetaceans) and life support system maintenance a plus.
• Experience with education and fundraising a plus.
• A Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or veterinary technician experience preferred.
• Must be comfortable using standard office computer software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail, databases, and internet).

TO APPLY:

Please send a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three references that we have permission to contact. Applications can be submitted to Kate Shaffer, Animal Care & Facilities Coordinator via email to kshaffer@nmlc.org or via mail to National Marine Life Center PO Box 269 Buzzards Bay, MA 02532. Submissions must be received by Thursday October 23, 2014.

Kate Shaffer

Animal Care & Facilities Coordinator

National Marine Life Center

PO Box 269, 120 Main St

Buzzards Bay, MA 02532

P (508)743-9888

F (508)7595477

kshaffer@nmlc.org