Monterey Bay Operations Senior Manager

Location of Position

Castroville, California

Reports to

Director, Field Operations & Response

Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel

Full‑time, onsite position with occasional hybrid remote work.
Hours may vary based on the needs of the Marine Mammal Center.
Evening, weekend, and holiday work, as well as rotating on‑call duties, are required.
Some travel to satellite facilities and fieldwork within California is expected.

Compensation Range

$81,120 – $88,000 annual salary.

Benefits

Holidays
Sick time
Vacation
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Life Insurance
Long‑Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary

The Monterey Bay Operations (MBO) Senior Manager provides direction and oversight for the Central Response Region and Animal Care Field Office in Castroville. This role is part of the Field Operations & Response leadership team, shaping strategy for the San Luis Obispo (SLO) area and contributing to planning across the organization. Responsibilities span regional response, animal care, facility and vehicle operations, equipment and inventory, community engagement, higher education partnerships, and media representation, combining program management with strategic oversight to ensure excellence in MBO programs and alignment with the Center’s mission.

Essential Functions
Program Management (60%)

Lead daily operations of the MBO team in alignment with Field Operations & Response objectives.

Collaborate with statewide management and other departments to optimize resource deployment and operational readiness.

Oversee administrative and programmatic tasks, data entry, and operational metrics.

Lead animal care and response operations and participate as needed.

Provide coverage for animal care needs, response support, and hands‑on work according to scheduling.

Develop, implement, and manage animal care and response policies and procedures.

Assess humane euthanasia and other medical procedures as appropriate.

Advance special response operations and pinniped entanglement response.

Manage medical and husbandry supply inventory.

Communicate and collaborate with NOAA and other external partners.

Build and maintain strategic partnerships with enforcement agencies, conservation groups, and the research community.

Represent MBO for media requests and participate in annual media training.

Partner with Learning & Development to support training course creation and updates.

Develop and maintain relationships with local colleges and universities and lead professional education programs.

Organize community events with internal teams and external partners.

Plan and manage the annual MBO volunteer appreciation event.

Leadership & People Management (20%)

Hire, train, mentor, and manage staff, ensuring development and adherence to policies.

Drive and maintain team culture for MBO and across teams.

Provide coaching to strengthen internal communications.

Meet with staff to resolve problems and handle personnel actions.

Provide leadership and coaching to volunteers.

Ensure development of field response and animal care capabilities among staff and volunteers.

Ensure volunteer staffing levels support animal care and response activities.

Oversee volunteer scheduling.

Act as primary contact for volunteer crew supervisors.

Budget Management & Fundraising (10%)

Support department budget development, track results, and approve team expenditures.

Represent and promote the Center to donors, prospects, and partners.

Support cultivation of individual donors, grants, and sponsors.

Organizational Impact (5%)

Represent the MBO team on cross‑functional initiatives.

Serve on organizational committees as needed.

Support DEI objectives.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Perform special projects and research as assigned.

Complete other duties as requested.

Supervisory Responsibility

Animal Care Manager (MBO) – 1

Operations Coordinator (MBO) – 3

Response Apprentice (MBO) – 1

Response and Animal Care Volunteers – 150

Marine Mammal Stranding Interns and Fellows – Various

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Commitment to the Center’s mission.

Knowledge of marine mammal rescue and care techniques.

Understanding of marine mammal anatomy and behavior.

Veterinary clinical procedure knowledge.

Experience with marine mammal euthanasia.

Excellent written, verbal, and listening skills.

Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.

Adaptability, empathy, and optimism under pressure.

Collaborative and communicative in team environments.

Independent work with minimal direction.

Strong organizational and time‑management skills.

Problem‑solving and judgment skills.

Flexibility and learning orientation.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Slack, Teams, Zoom.

Database system skills or ability to learn custom systems.

Ability to establish effective relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public.

Self‑awareness and respect in interactions.

Willingness to support DEI programs.

Qualifications and Experience

Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit.

Valid driver’s license with acceptable record; applicant must be 21+ years old.

Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, business administration, human psychology, or related field; plus 5 years of supervisory experience with staff or marine mammal care, or equivalent.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Professional office, laboratory, and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors.

Work in outdoor weather conditions and elements.

Use of standard office equipment with repetitive motion.

Extended desk work with a computer.

Open‑cubicle office space with distractions.

Operate equipment safely.

Drive/operate vehicle for extensive periods.

Walk on beaches of varying terrain.

Walk up to 2 miles during a shift.

Stand, crouch, and climb stairs, often in inclement weather.

Manual dexterity, agility, strength, coordination; lift up to 50 pounds.

Risks: animal bites or scratches.

Exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.

Strong smells from dead animals and live animal care.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Marine Mammal Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

#J-18808-Ljbffr