Animal Caretaker

APEX PROTECTION PROJECT; Acton (CA); On-site; CAD 20,457 - 29,136; Part time

Job summary

An animal protection non-profit organization is seeking a Pack Caretaker to provide essential care for rescued wolves and wolfdogs. This on-site role involves physical outdoor work, animal feeding, and habitat maintenance. Candidates must have hands-on experience with animals, strong observational skills, and the ability to work in challenging weather conditions. The position offers part-time shifts at $18 per hour, with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of hands-on experience caring for animals.
• Basic understanding of canid behavior and needs.
• Strong observational and documentation skills.
• Comfortable in a physically demanding outdoor role.
• Ability to hike and handle a 90-pound animal.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily animal care including feeding and habitat cleaning.
• Monitor pack dynamics and signs of stress or illness.
• Conduct regular enclosure inspections and maintenance.
• Administer medications and assist during medical checks.

Skills

Animal care

Behavioral observation

Communication

Problem-solving

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Overview

Apex Protection Project is an internationally recognized 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to protecting wolves and wolfdogs through rescue, educational programming, and advocacy. The sanctuary is located north of Hollywood and is home to rescued animals. The position is on-site at a remote sanctuary facility and requires physical outdoor work in all kinds of weather, with close daily contact with wolves and wolfdogs.

Position: Pack Caretaker

Position Overview: Pack Caretakers are responsible for the direct care and well-being of the animals, assisting in projects related to the pack’s wellbeing and facility upkeep. This is a high-energy, physical role that includes preparing food, feeding, providing fresh water, enrichment, health monitoring, delivering medications and supplements, habitat/facility maintenance, and supervising volunteers. A Pack Caretaker should have a deep understanding of canid behavior and a commitment to ethical, non-exploitative care, with willingness to expand knowledge to caring for other predators.

Key Responsibilities

• Animal Care Leadership
  • Perform and oversee volunteers in daily animal care including food prep and feeding, providing fresh drinking water, cleaning habitats and related areas to USDA standards, providing enrichment, health checks, and behavioral observation for all animals.
  • Assist in maintaining detailed daily records (Pack Care Report) of animal behavior, health, and incidents.
  • Assist in maintaining an inventory of supplies for animal care and order as necessary according to the inventory chart.
• Behavioral Observation & Safety
  • Monitor pack dynamics and individual behavior to identify changes, signs of stress, illness, or injury.
  • Implement daily and long-term enrichment programs and maintain an enrichment calendar.
  • Promote calm, respectful human-animal interactions with minimal intrusion or stress.
  • Assist in monitoring animal safety and welfare and implementing policies under guidance of Directors and the Apex Behavior and Training Committee.
  • Lead, train, and support volunteers involved in animal care; assign daily care tasks and ensure follow-through.
  • Provide ongoing education on wolf and wolfdog care, safety, and sanctuary best practices, including safety protocol training for staff.
• Habitat Oversight
  • Conduct regular enclosure inspections and alert operations to repairs or upgrades; ensure cleanliness, safety, and environmental stimulation within habitats.
• Medical Support
  • Administer medications and treatments as directed by the veterinarian or senior staff; assist during health checks and medical procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 full year of hands-on experience caring for dogs, wolves, wolfdogs, or other wild or exotic animals.
• Basic understanding of canid behavior, pack dynamics, and wolf/wolfdog needs in wild and captive settings.
• Strong observational, documentation, and communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a physically demanding, outdoor environment in all weather conditions.
• Ability to hike uphill and handle a 90-pound animal.
• Able to safely lift 50 pounds and perform manual tasks using basic tools.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and respond to emergencies as needed.
• Familiarity with basic computer programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Platform).
• Ability to problem-solve and use deductive thinking to improve quality and fix issues.
• Veterinary technician experience is a plus.

This is an on-site position at a remote sanctuary facility requiring physical labor outdoors and close daily contact with potentially dangerous animals. It requires a safety-first mindset and the ability to stay calm in unpredictable situations. Collaboration with staff and experienced leadership of volunteers is essential.

Compensation

• Starting: part-time with hourly shift pay of $18 per hour.
• Room to grow!

Place of Work

Apex Protection Project Ranch & Sanctuary is located in the foothills of the Angeles Forest, Palmdale, CA 93550. You may be required to work at various off-site locations.