Overview

The opportunity is here to join a growing organization! Sea Turtle, Inc. is one of the most recognized sea turtle rehabilitation, conservation, and education facilities in the world!

Sea Turtle, Inc. is currently seeking a Director of Animal Care. Reporting to the Veterinarian and Chief Conservation Officer, the Director of Animal Care will be responsible for all aspects of animal health and care. We are building a brand new hospital, clinic, and research facility, and this position will be a central part of this process. The ideal candidate is flexible, a team player with the ability to work independently as needed, and passionate about our mission of rehabilitation, education, and conservation.

Key Responsibilities, Skills, and Abilities:

Animal Health 

  • Lead the animal care team in the care of sea turtle patients and residents, including diets, enrichments
  • Responsible for collaboration with Veterinarians on appropriate diet, medical care and treatment of both hospital patients and resident turtles.
  • Collaborate across departments to ensure the health of all animals
  • Regularly interact with and keep the Veterinarian up-to-date on current sea turtle patients
  • Supervision of interns, rehabilitation specialists and aquarist on day to day animal care, procedures and operational execution
  • Be able to independently perform necropsy and necropsy sample submission
  • Responsible for xray machine, surgical laser and cold laser maintenance
  • Lead training for staff, interns, and volunteers
  • Communicate with operational staff on updates, treatment and patient care
  • On-call stranding response on rotation with other rehabilitation and conservation staff
  • This position is also responsible for radiation safety and controlled drug log

Operational

  • Responsible for contributing to the budget and adherence of payroll, expenses and establishment of processes within the rehabilitation department
  • Coordinate with the research department and Chief Conservation Officer on any research projects
  • Responsible for identification of grants for equipment and supplies required to secure best in class animal care.
  • Responsible for seeking out resources and education to maintain best in class treatment practices for patients and residents
  • Candidates must have a passion for education and conservation as the other two critical components of the Sea Turtle Inc mission.
  • Ensure accurate record keeping
  • Upkeep and maintenance of medical clinic, Coordinate medical procedures with Veterinarian
  • Oversee daily husbandry tasks, assignment of those tasks and evaluation of the execution of those tasks.

Qualifications: 

  • A strong work ethic and passion around sea turtle rehabilitation
  • Prior experience in sea turtle husbandry and rehabilitation preferred
  • LVT or RVT preferred
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred

Requirements

  • At least 2 years of applied/practical experience in sea turtles, reptiles, zoo/wildlife, or similar experience
  • Experience with training of staff and interns
  • Valid U.S. Driver’s license
  • Must pass background check
  • Have valid documents to secure work in the United States

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

  • STI operates around the clock in response to animal emergencies, strandings, nestings and other unplanned activities that occur when dealing with wildlife.
  • Much of the work at STI is done outdoors under varying conditions.
  • Due to the nature of the work with sea turtles, this position will be required to assist in the rescue of turtles. This would require lifting of heavy turtles on their own or providing assistance to others in lifting more than 40 pounds.

Rewards of joining Sea Turtle, Inc:

  • Full Time position
  • Health, Life, Dental and Ancillary benefits available
  • Paid Vacation Time that increases with tenure
  • Employee discount at gift shop