Please apply at farmsanctuary.org/careers
Applications for this position will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Prospective candidates are encouraged to submit their applications at the earliest opportunity to maximize their chances of consideration.
About Your Opportunity: In close collaboration with the Director, Animal Wellness and the Sanctuary Veterinarian, the Manager of Animal Wellness supervises Wellness Caregivers to apply evidence-based, holistic care practices and hence, the provision of environments conducive to optimal physical, emotional, cognitive, and social health for all residents. The Manager, Animal Wellness provides leadership, structure and support to ensure excellent communication within the Animal Wellness team as well as with Animal Environment, Research, and Site Ops teams. This position collaborates closely with the Research & Sanctuary Animal Welfare team in implementing goal-oriented animal welfare programs, including the provision of daily, goal-oriented enrichment and the use of positive training to provide cooperative care.
Responsibilities:
Supervises Animal Wellness team members
Quarterly performance evaluations
Create and maintain an environment conducive to open, direct, honest, and professional communication that fosters innovation
Creates and supports growth development plans
Organizes and guides weekly team meetings and check-ins with staff
Trains Wellness team members on shifts and animal healthcare skills
Participates in the recruiting process for the Wellness team - conducts working interviews, assesses and recommends candidates - with Director, Animal Wellness
Creates schedule for Animal Wellness Caregivers
Leads health checks for all animal species
Schedules and oversees Veterinarian appointments
Administers advanced healthcare skills
Performs a minimum of 1-2 Caregiving shifts per week as described in the Caregiver job description
Collaborates with Caregiving and Research & Sanctuary Animal Welfare teams to implement enrichment and animal learning opportunity programs
Acts as a Farm Sanctuary representative for tours, media, events, etc.
Supports Animal Care Intern Program by working with Interns onsite in daily tasks
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout sanctuary grounds.
Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor and lifting (up to 50 lbs regularly; team-lift heavier amounts regularly)
Must be able to bend, lift, push, stoop, stretch, climb, and crawl and other strenuous physical activities
Must be able to regularly perform job responsibilities in a variety of weather conditions; almost all work is done in outdoor setting that is not climate controlled
Preferred Qualifications:
Three years of experience at an Animal Sanctuary or related organization and manager experience
Knowledge of animal protection movement, factory farming, and vegan issues
Proven leadership skills cultivating a healthy team environment
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen and interact constructively and professionally with those seeking Farm Sanctuary’s assistance
Understanding of animal welfare and willingness to explore innovative animal care care practices that center animal agency
Resourcefulness and ability to work independently
Ability to work in a quick environment, handling varied tasks simultaneously while meeting multiple (and sometimes competing) deadlines
Understanding of animal welfare and willingness to explore innovative animal care practices that center animal agency
Highly flexible and adaptable to ever-changing and unexpected situations and developments
Self-motivated team player
Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, troubleshoot, and follow through in a timely manner, ensuring project completion
Comfort with and ability to develop expertise working with all species in Farm Sanctuary’s care, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese
Commitment to providing the highest quality of care to Farm Sanctuary’s residents in accordance with animal care policies and veterinary best practices
Collaborative and motivated to work effectively as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team by keeping others informed, managing expectations across the team, and highlighting opportunities and risks associated with projects.
Alignment with Farm Sanctuary’s values of compassion, understanding, integrity, transformation, and freedom.
Familiarity, commitment to, and experience with the practice of equity, social justice, and the principles embedded in Farm Sanctuary’s mission.
We embrace candidates from a range of backgrounds and experiences, regardless of whether they satisfy all the specified requirements. We encourage you to apply, even if you have an unconventional or non-traditional background.
Specifications:
Terms of Employment: Permanent, full-time, non-exempt position
Report to: Director, Animal Wellness
Direct Reports: Animal Wellness Caregivers
Pay: $27.50 per hour
Location: Watkins Glen, NY
Schedule: Work schedule varies; regular weekend and holiday availability required. Evening hours may be required during summer months
Travel: Occasional travel may be required to assist with transport for animal adoptions or rescues
Benefits: Competitive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays; generous paid time off; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 403(b) plan; flexible spending accounts; long-term disability insurance; free access to CALM meditation app and the Nivati Wellness platform
Farm Sanctuary is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and feel a sense of belonging. We work hard to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. We take our duty seriously to protect employees with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
We believe that our prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion is a strength and essential to achieving our mission. A diverse workforce brings many perspectives, ideas, and experiences, leading to more creative and effective solutions to our complex issues. By embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment, we foster a culture of belonging where innovation and growth can thrive. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization, including hiring and recruitment practices, employee development and training, and interactions with the communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are core components in fulfilling our mission of rescuing and protecting farmed animals from cruelty, and we are committed to creating a culture of respect, civility, and compassion for all.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Any photos or videos taken in the scope of employment and/or related to Farm Sanctuary are considered work product and intellectual property of Farm Sanctuary.
Our Process:
Stage 1: 30-minute phone interview with our Talent Acquisition Manager
Stage 2: 30-minute video interview with our Director of Animal Wellness
Stage 3: 1-hour video interview with our Sanctuary Veterinarian and Senior Director of Research & Sanctuary Animal Welfare
Stage 4: Reference checks
Stage 5: Job offer