Assistant Manager, Wellness

Assistant Manager, Wellness

Watkins Glen, NY

Summary: In close collaboration with the Animal Care managers, the Assistant Manager, Wellness applies evidence-based, holistic care practices and the provision of environments conducive to optimal physical, emotional, cognitive, and social health for all residents. The Assistant Manager, Wellness serves as the team and decision lead when a Manager, Wellness is offsite.  This position collaborates closely with the Research & Animal Welfare team in implementing goal-oriented resident welfare programs, including the provision of daily, goal-oriented enrichment and the use of positive training to provide cooperative care.  The Assistant Manager, Wellness, also serves as one of the lead trainers for the Wellness Team.  The Assistant Manager, Wellness reports to the Manager, Wellness.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as the team lead when Manager, Wellness is off-site.
• Perform Health Care Supervisor Shifts as assigned
• Trains Wellness team members on daily shifts and resident care skills with an understanding of training protocol
• Participates in the recruiting process, conducting working interviews and assessing candidates 
• Leads health checks for all resident species 
• Coordinate and schedule external resident veterinary appointments, with direction from Sanctuary Veterinarian
• Organizes and guides healthcare meetings and leads when assigned 
• Performs Assistant Manager, Wellness level healthcare skills, in addition to skills based on current caregiver level 
• Collaborates  with Research & Animal Welfare team to implement enrichment and resident learning opportunity programs
• Serves as the project manager for Animal Care-related projects, collaborating internally and externally 
• Performs  Caregiving shifts as scheduled
• Acts as a Farm Sanctuary representative for tours, media, events, etc.
• Supports Animal Care Intern Program by working with Interns on-site in daily tasks when the Intern Coordinator is not available

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, work in a variety of weather conditions; almost all work is done in outdoor setting that is not climate controlled

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of experience at an Animal Sanctuary or related organization
• 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 resident care practices that center on resident agency
• Resourcefulness and the ability to work independently
• Ability to work in a quick environment, handling varied tasks simultaneously while meeting multiple (and sometimes competing) deadlines
• 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 
• Alignment with Farm Sanctuary’s values of compassion, understanding, integrity, transformation, and freedom. 
• Familiarity, commitment to, and experience with the practice of equity and 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: Manager, WellnessDirect Reports: NoneLocation: Watkins Glen, NYSchedule: Work schedule varies; regular weekend and holiday availability required. Evening hours may be required during summer monthsTravel: Occasional travel may be required to assist with transport for animal adoptions or rescuesBenefits: 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 and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, or age.

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