Wolf Care Specialist and Educator

The International Wolf Center strives to be one of the leading authorities

on wolves in the world.  Since 1985, the Center has been highly successful

in carrying out its mission to support the survival of wolf populations

by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human

role in their future.  The Center advocates only through education, with

a focus on science-based information.

 

APPLIES TO ALL EMPLOYEES

 

Represent the International Wolf Center in the most positive manner with

prospective, former and current members, donors, visitors, vendors and the

communities the organization serves.

 

Interact effectively with a diverse group of staff, interns, volunteers

and customers of the Center’s services.

 

Learn and use operating practices of the International Wolf Center.

 

Uphold the organization?s mission.

 

Adhere to organizational standards of objectivity and scientific accuracy

in all educational activities.

 

Handle confidential information with tact and discretion.

 

Wolf Care: Under the general guidance of the Wolf Curator, the Wolf Care

Specialist and Educator assists with the care of the International Wolf

Center’s live wolves to ensure their health and safety. Responsibilities

include scheduled wolf checks, monitoring and recording health and behavior,

food processing, enclosure maintenance, assistance with programming and

audio/visual records of wolf behavior.

 

Education: Under the guidance of the Interpretive Center Manager, the Wolf

Care Specialist and Educator assists with the development, marketing and

execution of online educational programming at the International Wolf Center.

Responsibilities also include assisting with on-site programming and interacting

with the public.

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

WOLF CARE (50%)

 

Assist with assigned wolf checks with other qualified wolf care staff per

tier level evaluation including performing and recording medication and

food delivery to wolves as assigned

 

Maintain wolf care facilities and the enclosure in clean and good repair,

conducting maintenance as scheduled and implementing troubleshooting and

repair measures as needed

 

Assist with vegetative management practices within wolf enclosures

 

Process and tag video and still image as a source for social media posts,

retail product, communication needs and membership/development initiatives

 

Provide liaison between various IWC departments for imagery and video needs

 

Provide an active role in informal educational narrative sessions as needed

for possible fundraisers, live events or moderator sessions

 

Coordinate road-kill collection with other WC staff ensuring that permits,

logistical supplies, PPE and proper processing and clean-up is completed

 

Conduct “What’s for Dinner”,  ?Wolf Enrichment?, ?Behind the Scenes?, “Wolves

after Dark” and other wolf care programs as scheduled

 

EDUCATION (50%)

 

Conduct educational programming as needed or assigned

 

Interact with, educate, and assist the general public

 

Develop and implement successful marketing and promotions plans to establish

program relationships with schools, community organizations and youth/adult

groups through telephone and email contact

 

Provide feedback and assist with development of online educational programs

 

Seek most up-to-date research and science behind wolf ecology, behavior,

and evolution

 

Respond to email and phone inquiries

 

ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

 

This position is subject to a highly variable work schedule based on educational

programming, wolf care and other needs listed above. Some of the work may

be unpleasant, physically and emotionally demanding, and sometimes dangerous.

The work often involves kneeling, crawling, repeated bending, and lifting

heavy supplies like deer carcasses. They may work outdoors for extended

periods in all weather conditions from hot, humid 90-degree weather to subzero

weather. 

 

Knowledge:

 

Knowledge and experience with canids, domestic or wild

 

Knowledge of behavior and interpretation skills related to wolf pack dynamics

 

Knowledge or demonstrated training in ethology and scientific data collection

practices

 

Knowledge of audio/visual equipment and ability to create, manipulate and

utilize images produced from digital capturing devices

 

Knowledge and experience in public education about wolves or wildlife

 

Skills:

 

Excellent organizational skills

 

Effective and efficient written and oral communication skills

 

Excellent mechanical, troubleshooting and repair skills

 

Skilled at use of Microsoft Office products, email and online calendar systems

 

Abilities:

 

Demonstrated ability to follow directions and protocols

 

Ability to work independently

 

Must be able to observe and interpret wolf behavior and risk to handlers

 

Ability to demonstrate a calm, stable demeanor when interacting with wolves

 

Ability to operate machinery such as snow blowers, air compressors, weed

eaters, chainsaws (chainsaw certification preferred or ability to complete

provided safety course), etc.

 

Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds

 

Ability to handle and process roadkill carcasses as food source for the

wolves

 

Ability to complete Chemical Immobilization Training and assist with drug

delivery and monitoring of wolves during medical exams

 

Ability to work outside for extended periods in all weather conditions from

hot, humid 90-degree weather to subzero weather

 

Must be able to walk over uneven terrain

 

Must have a valid operator?s license with no restrictions other than corrective

lenses

 

Ability to verbally communicate with IWC guests and program participants.

 

Ability to use a computer to write and edit reports and logs in English

 

Must complete prescribed inoculations for pre-Rabies Vaccine