Career Interview

Haylee Senita
Animal Care Supervisor, Education Dept
Helen Woodward Animal Center
6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091
858-756-4117 ext. 361
1. How did you become interested in this career?
I've always been interested in animals, but I didn't even know about humane education,
much less expect to be a part of it until various job opportunities led me here. Now it's a strong
passion of mine and I love the work I do, maintaining good lives for the animals under my
charge, and spreading their proper care, importance, and amazing information to the general
public.
2. What are the aspects of this career that you like?
My favorite part of my job is getting to know and handle our animals; forging a strong
bond with them, and watching the relationships they form with others (both animal and human).
You really get a sense for how much of an individual an animal really is the more you work with
them and others of their kind - they have so much they want to share with us, we're all still just
figuring out how! I also love being able to change someone's perception of an animal, whether it
was instilling an inspiration in them, or stomping out ignorance.

3. What are the aspects of this career that you dislike?

It's always difficult to lose an animal, especially when they're a good co-worker of yours.
Although many of our animals live well beyond average and receive excellent care, it's never
easy to say good bye. It's also a struggle to select new animals for our programs - although we
want to help so many, we have to put the needs of our programs first, and keep our budget in
mind whenever making decisions.
4. Which classes or training did you take in college?
My degree is in Animal Science and Management, which involved classes like animal
nutrition, animal reproduction, genetics, dissection of various animals, lots of biology and
science classes all around, but also math and writing skills.
5. Is there opportunity for advancement in this career field?
There are opportunities, but it is more limited than other career fields, and usually the
higher up you advance the more you are removed from hands on with the animals. However
there will always be animals needing to be cared for and/or trained, so job openings are out there.

Career Interview
6. Can you describe your daily work?
As the Animal Care Supervisor my daily tasks involve checking our supplies and making
purchases to replace them before they run out, supplying updated and correct animal information
for our staff that present the animals, ensuring our animals are of healthy body and mind,
providing and creating enrichment and exercise for the animals. Not daily, but still often tasks
include: training of new staff and volunteers for animal handling, locating and assessing of new
animals needed for our programs, and evacuation planning.
7. What skill do you think is the most important to perform for this job?
Flexibility and efficiency play large roles in successful work. With animals things can
often be unpredictable, particularly medical issues, so being able to make quick changes to a
finished plan and keep your cool in that moment is a large part. Similarly there are a lot of
animals here and a lot of work to be done, so being efficient helps everything and everyone.
8. What do you do to keep your skills current?
I do a lot of online research to find answers to questions I have regarding medical care,
housing, or medical conditions of animals. I always ensure I have reliable and multiple sources
to build correct information, as well as discuss any changes I want to make with veterinarians.
I'm looking into attending animal based expos to learn more and possibly get samples or ideas
for improving our animal care; however it's difficult to budget for that with a non-profit
organization.
9. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
I mainly look for their animal experience. I want someone who has familiarity with a
variety of animals for around 2 years. Additionally, since this is a supervisor position, I'm
looking for someone who has a strong leadership background or personality, and someone who
has a degree, showing commitment and polished education - for instance I do a lot of medical
record keeping and writing, so those are technical skills that are beneficial, if not required.
10. What is your advice for someone who is interested in this field?
Get as much hands on experience with animals as you can. Do internships, volunteer, and
just become familiar with animals beyond the classroom setting.