Assistant Animal Care Manager

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Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a charity organisation which operates a busy marine animal rescue and rehabilitation centre located in Courtown, Co. Wexford. As the only facility that fully rehabilitates seals within the Republic of Ireland, SRI responds to strandings nationwide. Most reports are for young grey seal ( Halichoerus grypus) and common seal ( Phoca vitulina) pups found sick, injured or orphaned across the Irish coastline. In addition, SRI pursues understanding and public engagement of ocean conservation and sustainability through education, community outreach and research programmes.


SRI is currently accepting applications for an Assistant Animal Care Manager. This high paced, full-time position is for a minimum of 6 months, but longer time commitments are encouraged. Seal Rescue Ireland is looking to fill this position in January 2022. Due to visa restrictions, this position is only open to EU/UK citizens, or individuals with permission to reside in Ireland.

Reports to: Animal Care Manager

Job Summary: This position will be a responsible individual who will assist in supervising programs, interns/volunteers, daily husbandry of animals in care, and take on necessary office duties to keep the centre running when the Animal Care Manager is off duty. He or she will also work closely with the Animal Care Manager and Operations Manager in all aspects involved in running a wildlife hospital. This position is split between working with the animals and working on administrative tasks in the office.

Requirements: Applicants must have a degree or experience in an area of study such as Pre-Veterinary, Biology, Zoology, or a related field. Previous work in marine mammal rehabilitation is preferred, though other wildlife rehabilitation experience may be accepted. Applicants must be comfortable with public speaking, giving direction/teaching, and using GSuite and/or Microsoft Office programs. Being organized and self-motivated is essential. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas, and must be able to lift 25 kilograms. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work long hours, nights, weekends and holidays. Applicants must be fluent in English, since clear communication is essential when working around wild animals. For non-native English speakers coming from European countries, we require a C1 level of English.

Duties Include:
● Supervise and train interns and volunteers
● Assist in coordination of releases and other conservation events
● Management of seal records database
● Responsible for hospital inventory and stock checks
● Supervising and participating in daily animal diet preparations, routine cleaning of enclosures, giving medical treatments, tube feeding, and maintenance of the grounds
● Overseeing daily operation of hospital and visitor center, medical treatment plans and upgrading animals and diets with other managers
● Assist and coordinate rescue of stranded animals including assisting with the rescue hotline.
● Provide assistance to the Animal Care Manager, Operations Manager and other management as needed. ● Assisting with fundraisers, educational events, clerical duties and office work as needed
● Representing Seal Rescue Ireland at the centre and networking events

Compensation/Benefits: This role starts as an unpaid position, but includes free food and accommodation (Covid vaccinations are required to avail of the housing) . After one month’s probation, a stipend is considered based on experience and performance. SRI likes to promote from within, and this role can lead to employment opportunities within the organisation based on demonstrated performance. The successful applicant will be responsible for their own travel expenses.

Deadline: January 21st, 2022
Please send your CV and cover letter to: operations@sealrescueireland.org
Attention: Voluntary Assistant Animal Care Manager