Job Title: Director of the Desert Wildlife Center

Department: Desert Wildlife Center

Work Location: Desert Wildlife Center; Indio, California

Reports to: Executive Director, Palm Springs Animal Shelter

FLSA Classification: Exempt/Full Time

Supervises: 2 - 4

Created / Updated: Created: March 2024

Compensation $85,000/annually

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of the Desert Wildlife Center is responsible for developing, initiating and implementing wildlife rehabilitation and release programs. Responsible for strategic planning, including milestones and deadlines, as well as budgeting and monitoring of all operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Guide and monitor the administration of all rehabilitation programs and activities to ensure

compliance with time-tables and budgets, as well as the Desert Wildlife Center mission.

• Work with Executive Director of PSAS to determine the operational and

strategic goals for the Wildlife Center.

• Maintain relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, maintaining permits.
• Develop a program evaluation framework to assess strengths and identify areas of opportunity and improvement.
• Develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization.
• Conduct ongoing analysis, monitor effectiveness and identify improvements to wildlife

rehabilitation and treatment protocols.

• Collaborate with PSAS staff and community partners in strategic planning of evaluating programs.
• Develop and implement a Wildlife Community Humane Education program 
• Assess non-releasable wildlife as candidates for placement outside the organization.
• Align programs with Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter core values, strategic priorities, and objectives.
• Interact with a broad range of individuals and organizations to establish partnerships and expand

community engagement opportunities.

• Recruit, train and manage program staff and/or volunteers. 
• Ensure work complies with all state and federal fish and game regulations.
• Work cooperatively with other Wildlife Center and PSAS staff contributing to a positive and friendly environment for the public, volunteers, interns, employees and Board of Directors.
• Maintain a safe, professional working environment at all times.
• Attend monthly PSAS All Staff Meetings, and other meetings as requested. 
• May be asked to use a Shelter van to transport animals locally.
• Able to work a flexible schedule - including regular weekend shifts, evenings and holidays. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Fundraising/Marketing

• Participate in the writing of grant proposals and reports to grantors in conjunction with PSAS Development Director. 
• Coordinate with the Development Director on communications with donors surrounding donation usage and to cultivate other donors and sponsors. 
• Collaborate with the PSAS marketing department to develop a strategic marketing and social media plan.

QUALIFICATIONS – To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, and a minimum of five years as a licensed rehabilitator.
• Knowledge of Southwestern US ecology/conservation issues, specifically related to the Coachella Valley.
• Previous management experience in community-based non-profit field.

Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated success developing and evaluating programming models.
• Proven track record of successfully creating and implementing innovative programs.
• Exhibit Initiative: Be a self-starter.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Can translate vision into effective action.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Ability to publicly address audiences of varying sizes and ages.
• Ability to use standard office equipment such as a personal computer using MS Word, Excel, and

other related software.

• Ability to meet deadlines; ability to set and accomplish work in order of priority; professionally maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure and changing conditions.
• Able to work a flexible schedule with regular weekend, evening shifts, and holidays as required.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have an insurable driving record.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Must hold California licensing and general permits for wildlife rehabilitation.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

• Leadership – Maintain a positive, upbeat role, promote and exemplify Friends of the Palm Springs values and represent organizational objectives and interests to internal and external customers.

• Customer Service – Follow up on complaints, questions, and concerns; respond to internal/external customer needs in a friendly, timely and efficient manner.

• Teamwork - Develop and promote teamwork and cooperation among all co-workers, volunteers and management staff.

• Safety – Comply with established safe work practices and attend to all safety-related training provided or made available by the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demand Summary:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk,

listen, hear; use hands to finger, manipulate, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. May be

required to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Exposure to heat, cold and noise is frequent. 

*A complete list of "Physical demands of the job" will be provided to all qualified applicants during the interview process.