Animal Care Manager (Full-Time)

Austin Wildlife Rescue is seeking an experienced Animal Care Manager to lead our animal care team and oversee the daily animal care operations of our wildlife rehabilitation facility. This position is responsible for supervising staff, coordinating daily workloads, maintaining high standards of animal care, and fostering a positive, accountable team culture. The Animal Care Manager works closely with leadership to ensure animals receive exceptional care while supporting and developing a high-performing team.

Job Location:

  • Rehabilitation Center 111 Elbow Bend, Elgin, TX 78621

Compensation: 

  • $25/hour

  • PTO and sick leave

Responsibilities/Duties:

  • Directly supervise and manage the Animal Care team (staff of ~10 Nov-Feb & staff of ~25 Mar-Oct)

  • Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, accountability, and performance feedback.

  • Conduct employee training, coaching, and performance evaluations.

  • Develop staff skills through mentoring and continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Address performance concerns promptly and professionally while fostering a positive team environment.

  • Maintain accountability for attendance, punctuality, and adherence to Austin Wildlife Rescue policies and performance expectations.

  • Develop and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage.

  • Assign daily responsibilities and adjust priorities based on animal care needs.

  • Keep the team organized, productive, and on task throughout each shift.

  • Monitor workflow and ensure animal care protocols are followed.

  • Ensure compliance with all Austin Wildlife Rescue animal care protocols, safety procedures, and applicable wildlife rehabilitation regulations.

  • Step into animal care duties when staffing shortages or emergencies require hands-on assistance.

  • Collaborate with leadership to improve operational efficiency and recommend process improvements.

  • Assist with recruiting and onboarding of new staff.

  • Promote a culture of teamwork, professionalism, safety, and compassionate wildlife care.

Qualifications:

  • Previous supervisory or management experience is required.

  • Experience working in animal care, veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, sheltering, or a related field is preferred.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop employees.

  • Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills.

  • Ability to prioritize tasks and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

  • Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment where priorities can change quickly based on emergency wildlife admissions.

  • Must be able to lift, bend, stand for extended periods, and work in various weather conditions.

  • Must obtain a rabies pre-exposure vaccination series within the first week of employment.

Schedule:

  • Full-time position.

  • Five 8-hour shifts per week.

  • Every other weekend off.

  • Schedule may include holidays and occasional overtime based on animal care needs.

Mission Impact:

The Animal Care Manager is instrumental in ensuring that more than 10,000 injured and orphaned native Texas wild animals each year receive exceptional care by leading, supporting, and developing the team responsible for their rehabilitation.

You may submit your resume and cover letter to admin@austinwildliferescue.org