Virginia Range Fertility Control Program Coordinator
American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) is the nation’s leading wild horse protection organization. Our Virginia Range Fertility Control Program aims to preserve and humanely reduce the size of the Virginia Range herd, a historic wild mustang population in Nevada. This herd faces pressure from habitat loss due to rapid development in the greater Reno area.
The program utilizes a scientifically proven immunocontraceptive vaccine, PZP, delivered remotely to mares by dart gun. This vaccine is over 90% effective in preventing pregnancy. In just over two years, the program has become the largest fertility control initiative for free-roaming horses globally, delivering over 4,000 treatments to more than 1,500 mares and achieving a 51% reduction in foaling in 2021 compared to the previous year.
Position Summary
We are seeking a Program Coordinator for our groundbreaking Fertility Control Program for the free-roaming horse population in Nevada’s Virginia Range. This is a remote, office-based position located in northwest Nevada.
The Program Coordinator will be responsible for the overall coordination of the Virginia Range Fertility Control Program, including:
- Recruiting and managing volunteers who implement the program
- Overseeing the Comprehensive Wild Horse Information Database
- Ensuring compliance with program protocols
- Managing supply inventory
- Securing authorized access to private property on the Virginia Range
- Fostering relationships with community organizations, businesses, local landowners, and residents
This position reports to AWHC’s Director of Field Operations.
Specific Responsibilities
Overall Coordination
- Manage inventory tracking and order and deliver darting supplies as needed
- Oversee adherence to program protocols and recommend changes as necessary
- Coordinate program implementation and training of new volunteers with the Science and Conservation Center (SCC)
Volunteer Management
- Coordinate a team of ~24 volunteers, including darters, spotters, and documenters
- Field questions and concerns from volunteers and maintain communications
- Recruit and train new volunteers
- Conduct regular training meetings
- Compile and file monthly volunteer mileage reports
- Oversee scheduling of the company vehicle
- Make regular field visits to ensure volunteer satisfaction
- Maintain a volunteer resource page on the AWHC website
Database Management
The program's foundation is a comprehensive database with records on over 3,000 horses, including individual identification and treatment history. Data entry is overseen by volunteer Herd Leads.
- Supervise Herd Leads to ensure data integrity
- Report data monthly to the Nevada Department of Agriculture
- Coordinate with Rescue and Range Management teams
- Work with the Database Service Provider to adjust software
- Supply data for grants, social media, and reporting
Private Property Access Management
The program relies on permission from private property owners for activities.
- Maintain relationships with property owners
- Secure expanded permissions for program activities
- Complete necessary insurance certifications and permission forms
Community Relations
- Educate the public and promote cooperative relationships
- Create awareness and support for the program through local content for social media and newsletters
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
- Knowledge of and appreciation for horses
- Scientific literacy
- Volunteer coordination experience
- Strong organizational and people skills
- An interest in wildlife and environmental protection
- A love for the outdoors
The coordinator will be trained on the scientific and technical aspects of wildlife immunocontraception.
To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Put “Virginia Range Fertility Control Program Coordinator” in the subject line. Submissions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.