On-site Animal Caretaker

Description: Founded in 1988, Conservation Ambassadors' Wild Things is a well-established, non-profit wildlife center located in a beautiful forested rural area in Placer County, Northern California. Our mission is to provide lifelong housing and care for rescued animals, both exotic and native species, and educate the public doing outreach with our animal ambassadors, inspiring communities to respect and conserve wildlife. We are not open to the public. 

We are seeking an Animal Caretaker to join our team on a permanent, part-time basis, living on-site. This is five days per week, approximately five hours each day, plus one hour three evenings per week. If you would love the opportunity to work closely with a diverse range of animal species (we have approx. 85 animals here), enjoy working outdoors and living in a remote setting, and strongly believe in our mission, we'd love to hear from you. 

Responsibilities:

• Preparing diets according to protocols; feeding and watering animals.
• Cleaning and maintaining in and around animal enclosures (including raking, scrubbing, shoveling, waste removal, etc.)
• Cleaning and sanitizing food prep area.
• Reporting feed/supply inventory to be ordered as needed.
• Conceptualizing and implementing environmental enrichment with approval.
• Observing animals’ behaviors and wellness, and recognizing, identifying, and reporting any issues.
• Opening and closing rounds to check life, liquid, locks, and look around.
• Routine maintenance and special projects on facility.
• Potential for some participation in educational outreach opportunities.
• Complying with all safety protocols.
• Maintaining animal records.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Exotic/native animal experience preferred, but will consider domestic as well. Must be someone who knows that animal care is hard (but rewarding) work.

• College degree preferred but not required.
• Valid driver’s license and insurance. Must have reliable transportation.
• Strong sense of reliability and dependability. Regular attendance necessary.
• Possess honesty and trustworthiness.
• Thoughtfulness in your approach to duties (i.e. not careless).
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to act on observations.
• Excellent observation skills.
• Critical thinking and common sense.
• Resourceful and ability to research applicable topics as needed.
• Ability to follow instructions precisely and learn quickly.
• Excellent animal sense (be in tune with animals in your care, intuition about animals’ behavior and health, calm demeanor, compassionate, ability to adapt to specific species’ needs without causing stress or harm).
• Safety conscious and ability to recognize, report, and resolve safety hazards.
• Not afraid to get your hands dirty, be efficient in tasks.
• Must have ability to lift 30 lbs and help with heavier items, bend, twist, walk up hills, push heavy wheelbarrows, etc.
• Be able to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work well independently and with others, maintaining a mature, friendly demeanor and positive attitude.
• Possess a good sense of humor (we like to joke around!).
• Must be interested in a long-term position.
• Must provide references.

How to Apply: Please send your resume and cover letter detailing why you would be the perfect fit for this role to programs@wildthingsoutreach.org. Application Deadline: Immediately