Animal Conservationist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Animal Collections Manager (Rhino)
Department: Wildlife
Reports To: Programs Manager 
FLSA Status: Exempt
Effective Date: September 2025

White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature.  The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 22,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property.  Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats. 

White Oak Mission:
Saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable populations, expanding education initiatives, and responsible land stewardship.

Job Summary:
The Animal Collections Manager advises and oversees their designated team to achieve exceptional animal care and facility standards. The collection manager will collaborate across departments to help achieve White Oak’s Conservation initiatives. The position works cooperatively with the Veterinary and Education Departments to implement best practices for behavioral training for husbandry management, medical procedures and public presentations.  The Collection Manager is a mentor and coach for Animal Management leads, specialists and interns to achieve Animal Management department goals as part of the White Oak conservation mission.  This position is a recognized expert in their area of animal collection focus, serves as a conservation advocate for White Oak, and represents the organization in external collaborations.  

Essential Duties:
o    Performs supervisory duties, including hiring, determining subordinate work procedures and schedules, issuing instructions and assigning duties; reviewing work, providing training, coaching and mentorship; addressing performance concerns; and conducting performance reviews.
o    Advises and oversees the daily husbandry of the animal collection including feeding, cleaning, medicating, training and enrichment activities. 
o    Oversees  and inspires the growth and development of the wildlife team and students through mentoring and training.
o    Oversees and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations and White Oak’s internal policies in regard to the animal collection.
o    Establishes working relationships with overall sustainable populations outside of White Oak, such as PFS, C2S2, private facilities and conservation programs.
o    Collaborates with Guest Services and Education for guest encounters, while ensuring optimal safety for guests and animals. 
o    Participates in strategic, operational, and budgetary planning for department. 
o    Collaborates with the animal health team to ensure the highest standards of animal health are maintained.
o    Participates in the design of new habitats and animal care facilities.
o    Oversees the safe, effective, and attractive function of animal habitats, vehicles, and buildings in the wildlife area.
o    Creates and implements animal management and conservation breeding plans.
o    Completes requisitions and purchase requests for all supplies and materials needed in the Wildlife area.
o    Represents White Oak on various industry committees, on conference calls, and in person at meetings and conferences.
o    Acts as liaison with conservation partners for programs such as  rehabilitation and research projects.
o    Ensures proper record keeping and reporting as related to the animal collection.
o    Supports and assists in planning natural resource management objectives at White Oak.
o    Advises and oversees the green sustainability efforts in the wildlife department and participates in organizational sustainability planning and efforts.
o    Participates in White Oak’s in situ conservation programs.
o    Oversees emergency preparedness, safety, and security in the wildlife department.
o    Assists with effective external communication of White Oak’s conservation mission: articles, presentations, pictures, etc.
o    Ensures effective internal communications within the wildlife department and with other departments.
o    Operates heavy equipment, when needed.

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.

Education and Work Experience Requirements:  
•    B.S. (M.S. preferred) in Biology, Animal Science, or related field preferred; or minimum of five years of animal care experience.
•    Minimum of two years’ supervisory experience.
•    Experience in an AZA accredited institution a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
•    Ability and experience in team building and fostering a positive, collaborative working environment.
•    Demonstrated experience working with Veterinarians and working knowledge of common medical procedures. 
•    Experience with animal management plans, policies and tools, such as ISIS, animal escape and recapture , enrichment and training , and collection planning. 
•    Technical and practical knowledge of the care and maintenance of animal habitats. 
•    Experience participating in the design of exhibit/habitats and animal care facilities.
•    Experience with inquiry-based, informal educational programs using wildlife collections. 
•    Strong oral and written communication, along with active listening skills.
•    Excellent problem resolution skills.
•    Ability to operate heavy equipment safely, and to train staff on equipment operation, as needed.

Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions:
•    Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects, climb a 5-foot ladder and work outdoors in all conditions.
•    Must be able to work holidays, nights and weekends when required.
•    Must have valid drivers’ license.
 

White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.