Animal Collections Manager (Elephants)

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

White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earths 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. Marys River in northeast Florida surrounded by 22000 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 Oaks 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 Oaks 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 Oaks in situ conservation programs.
o Oversees emergency preparedness safety and security in the wildlife department.
o Assists with effective external communication of White Oaks 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.