Animal Care Manager, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

Job Vacancy - Malawi

Job Title: Animal Care Manager, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

Reporting to: General Manager, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

Location: Lilongwe, Malawi

Job Objectives:

The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre (LLWC) is seeking an independent and self motivated Animal Care Manager experienced in captive wild animal management to ensure exceptional standards of care and welfare.

Core Responsibilities:

Ensure that all animals at LLWC are provided the best available care in terms of housing, nutrition, enrichment, health, social interaction and pre-release training (if applicable)

With the assistance of the part-time veterinarian, attend to animal health issues (e.g. initial and annual health checks, injuries, illnesses, etc.)

Work to and refine existing animal care protocols and, if needed, develop new protocols for novel species

Work with the veterinarian to maintain clear animal health records

Train and mentor LLWC staff in animal welfare and husbandry ideals

Advise on and assist with improvements of animal facilities, e.g. repairs, furnishing of enclosures, environmental enrichment

Co-ordinate the maintenance of the veterinary clinic and ensure effective management of drug / hardware stocks

Make recommendations on the release of captive animals back to the wild

Manage annual budgets for the department and identify income streams

Undertake departmental fundraising through local and international grant applications and acquisition of local in-kind donations and sponsorship

Report to Trustees quarterly on animal care issues

Promote the LLWC’s work to visitors, sponsors, collaborating partners, etc.

Liaise with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and Government Veterinary Department on animal rescues, releases, imports and other wildlife issues as they arise

Core Competencies:

Essential

Considerable experience and, ideally, a qualification in the field of wild and exotic animal captive care, especially primates

Proven personnel management skills

Sound financial management  and attention to detail

Good English (spoken and written) and strong communication skills

Excellent organisational competencies and ability to multi-task

Physically fit and able to work in a hot climate

Ability to adapt and to live in a different culture

Flexibility to develop innovative and practical solutions to challenges

Desirable

Qualifications in veterinary nursing

Experience of writing successful grant proposals

This is a full time role based at the LLWC in Malawi for a minimum two-year term, with the option to extend. The jobholder must be prepared to work evenings and weekends when needed.  Accommodation will be on site in a self contained studio flat. A full passport and clean driving license are required.

Salary and benefits: £500 per month and an annual return flight from place of recruitment to Lilongwe.

Start Date: Early January 2011.

Application Process: Please send a cover letter summarising your interest and relevant skills and experience for this role along with your CV including the names and contact details of two referees (one to be your current employer, the other someone familiar with your work) to: Jonathan Vaughan, General Manager at wildlife@llwc.org.

Closing Date for Applications: Fri day 19th November 2010

*For further information: See www.lilongwewildlife.org and www.bornfree.org..uk/campaigns/paw-centres/lilongwe-wildlife-centre/
<http://www.bornfree.org.uk/campaigns/paw-centres/lilongwe-wildlife-centre/>