The Operations Coordinator supports The Marine Mammal Center's operations at the Morro Bay Field Office by leading and training the teams of volunteers who conduct field responses and rescues of marine mammals, provide care for animals at our facility, and transport animals to our other facilities for further rehabilitation.
The Operations Coordinator participates in rescues and animal care as needed based on volunteer staffing levels, often leading volunteers through animal husbandry and veterinary procedures under the remote supervision of veterinary staff in Sausalito.
Key Responsibilities
Volunteer management: 40%
- Provide leadership and support to 100+ volunteers in field response, animal care, and cross-range logistics.
- Support the recruitment, onboarding, and training of new volunteers in basic and advanced animal care procedures.
- Provide consistent onsite presence and support to volunteer crews, including providing timely updates and communications to all team members.
- Provide coaching and guidance to volunteer crew supervisors regarding performance feedback and improvement discussions.
- Fill in for volunteer crew supervisors as needed.
Wildlife rescue, husbandry, and veterinary care: 30%
- Provide hands-on medical care and husbandry to marine mammals, including medication management and administration under guidance of veterinary staff.
- Collaborate with SLO Operations Manager and second Operations Coordinator; other Field Operations and Response staff across the CA response range; and veterinary and other staff at the main hospital in Sausalito to ensure high quality patient care.
- Perform humane euthanasia for patients as needed and upon direct request by veterinary staff. Formal training will be provided.
Operations Management: 20%
- Coordinate logistics with staff across CA to transport animals to and from SLO facility.
- Document rescue work in animal stranding database.
- Support management of hospital operations including medical and husbandry supply inventory and upkeep.
- Support upkeep of facility, animal pens, office supplies and services, and vehicle basic maintenance (such as service appointments).
- Create and implement process improvements and other special projects as they arise.
Other Duties as Assigned: 10%
- Willingness to support and participate in the Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, initiatives, and trainings.
- In time, this position may have opportunities to participate in additional response-related opportunities, including special rescue operation support, special events, research project support, and other assignments.
- Perform special projects and research as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
- Ability to remain calm, lead others, and maintain patient and effective communication during high-stress, life-or-death situations with wildlife.
- Skills in wildlife handling preferred; or ability to learn quickly required.
- Basic medical and/or veterinary skills preferred; or ability to learn quickly required.
- Strong skills in coordinating complicated rescue and transport logistics
- Valid California driver’s license and favorable driving history, and proof of auto insurance.
- Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or waiver (medical or religious).
- This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a related field.
- Minimum 2 years supervisory and leadership experience, with preference for experience leading large teams of volunteers.
- Ideal candidate will have prior experience working with wildlife, with a preference for marine mammal experience; and prior experience with medication administration, other medical skills and/or veterinary skills. Candidates with any combination of these qualifications will be considered.
Work Environment
- This position operates in a professional office environment.
- Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases.
- Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements 80% of the time.
- May involve strong smells associated with animals and the care of animals.
- Comfortable working around water.
Compensation Range: $25.92/hr. - $27.50/hr.
