Wildlife Sanctuary Keeper and Ranch Caretaker

The Wildlife Society; Cedar Glen (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live on-site housing

Flexible full-time/part-time

Job summary

The Wildlife Society is seeking a wildlife keeper for a 35-acre Southern California sanctuary in the San Bernardino Mountains. The role focuses on daily animal care, security and property maintenance in a rural mountain community.

Ideal candidates have experience with equine, farm animals or wildlife, English literacy for logs, and the ability to lift heavy loads. Live onsite part-time or full-time; salary negotiable by experience.

Qualifications

• Experience with equine and wildlife care
• Must have transportation vehicle and valid driver's license
• Able to lift 25–100 lbs, capable of climbing and using hand tools
• English literacy and ability to log evaluations/reports
• Willing to work outdoors in varied forest weather and maintain property

Responsibilities

• Daily animal care including water, feed, medications and safety
• Mucking and raking of stalls and enclosures; moving wildlife to weathering areas
• Maintenance of fencing, gates, enclosures, water systems, barns and buildings
• Property upkeep including vegetation management and forest forage
• Basic mechanical, electrical and carpentry tasks for ranch maintenance
• Operate snow blowers and seasonal equipment; vehicle upkeep
• Provide security for the Educational Center and perimeter fencing
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers and supervisors; respond to emergencies

Skills

Equine care

Farm animals

Exotic wildlife

Wildlife care

Security

Property maintenance

Education

Animal science degree preferred

Job description

Non-profit 35-acre Southern California wildlife sanctuary in the San Bernardino Mountains National Forest seeking wildlife keeper experienced in equine, farm animals, exotic and or wildlife to assist with wildlife care as well as security, and maintenance of property, buildings, enclosures and barns. Our mission is to rescue orphaned and injured wildlife and to educate the public about conservation and preservation of the importance of wildlife in our environment, especially centering in on creation principles. We are permitted under USDA, USFW and CAFW, and their regulations require that our employees are honest, reliable, trustworthy, conscientious, have a good work ethic, have a clear background check, are drug free, not addicted to alcohol, marijuana, vaping or smoking in order to ensure the safety of the wildlife and staff. Compensation and benefits: Individual live onsite part time or full time (Not appropriate for families), and work in a mountain community with a goal of preservation of the indigenous wildlife; experience rural living in a tourist destination of the San Bernardino National Forest; hours away from desert, beaches and cosmopolitan cities; income negotiable commensurate with experience. Not appropriate for out of country applicants or those living in states not familiar with snow, ice and must have 4-wheel vehicles.

Duties Include, but not limited to:

Daily animal care providing water, feed, medications, cleaning and safety of mule deer, and possible care of some birds of prey, carnivores, and mammals, including bears

Mucking and raking of stalls and enclosures; shifting wildlife into weathering areas; inspecting their shelters and checking for wild animal interference

Maintenance of fencing, security gates, enclosures, water faucets and tanks, gates, barns, and buildings ensuring cleanliness and order

Property maintenance including watering, weed eating, cutting down of trees, and gathering forest food for the animals like acorns and oak branches and leaves

Basic knowledge and skills in mechanical, electrical and carpentry for ranch maintenance

Upkeep of snow blowers, seasonal equipment, golf carts, and other vehicles operation and care

Security of 5-acre Educational Center and the perimeter fencing of our upper 30 acres

Requirements Include:

Must have transportation vehicle, especially 4 wheel for winter and up-to-date Driver’s License

Must speak and read English, with good communication skills and comfortable with the public

Able to lift 25-100 lbs and to twist, bend, kneel, climb, and safely use hand tools & equipment

Be computer literate to fill out logs, evaluations, and reports with cursive printing

Work effectively with normal supervision as a self-motivated, self-starter who can adapt to change and respond to emergencies

Work outdoors day or night in snow, ice, rain, or other forest weather conditions

Comfortable in forest environment living near wildlife like bears, mountain lions, coyotes, deer, and other animals that we protect on our sanctuary from hunters and poachers

Be a team player with our staff, volunteers, management and wardens and supervisors

Use good social skills to encourage trespassers off of our property, or order them to do so

Education: Degrees in animal sciences, or biology preferred but not required for entry level position.