Position Summary

The Animal Program Coordinator supports the mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society and goals of Old World Wisconsin by overseeing all policies, practices and procedures associated with humane animal care, the use of animals as part of educational programming, and horse-drawn transportation operations at Old World Wisconsin as key components of the guest experience. 

Reporting to the Site Director, the Animal Program Coordinator oversees the daily care and management of horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, geese, and chickens following, but not limited to, USDA guidelines, input from regular veterinary assessments, established WHS standards, and heritage breed conservation goals. Responsibilities include developing and implementing feeding and watering schedules, the purchase of feed and dietary supplements, purchasing and selling of animals, and maintaining all records associated with these activities. The Animal Program Coordinator collaborates with the General Manager, Experiences and Events, the Living History Program Coordinator, and others to incorporate animals in to the daily guest experience through Animal Encounters and living history programs. The position oversees the care and use of horses and equipment as part of historic transportation programs associated with public and private events. Responsibilities include collaborating with the Site Director and others to create annual animal program goals and to establish budgets and spending plans to accomplish those goals. The position maintains Old World Wisconsin’s modern animal care facility and all supplies and equipment used for animal care. The Animal Program Coordinator serves as the lead worker for animal care and horse-drawn transportation staff, develops and oversees a robust animal care volunteer program, and works collaboratively with others to achieve program goals and provide the best possible experience for Old World Wisconsin guests. 

This position is based at Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, WI.  In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits 
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program - a free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being

Salary Information

The salary will be between $24.00 - $29.00 per hour ($49,920 to $60,320 annually) in accordance with the provisions of the current Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 07, range 04; Civil service classification is Program and Policy Analyst. A 12-month probationary period will be required. 

Job Details

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) should complete the application process to apply.

WHS does not sponsor work visas.  Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
 

Qualifications

Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.

Minimally qualified candidate will have experience in performing the following duties:

• Implementing animal care policies and procedures at a zoo, museum or attraction and keeping records related to animal care
• Facilitating educational experiences that connect people and animals
• Training and leading the work of other employees and/or volunteers

In addition to minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will additionally have experience or qualifications in at least one of the following areas:

• Creating and overseeing animal care policies and procedures including creating and tracking nutrition and feeding plans, vaccination records and health maintenance schedules using a computer software program
• Developing and presenting animal-based programs involving animals for public audiences at a zoo, museum, park or other attraction
• Operating a transportation program using draft horses in harness to pull wagons or carriages filled with passengers

How To Apply

This position is posted on WISC.JOBS.  The link for external candidates is  HTTPS://WJ.WI.GOV/12900. 

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. 

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. 

Questions may be directed to jan.zadra@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 264-6409.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

Deadline to Apply

Applications are due at 4:30 PM on February 6, 2024.