Facility

Wildhaven Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Lake Arrowhead, California

Closing Date

Description

TYPICAL DUTIES:
Feed and care for native wildlife, especially bears and raptors, at Sanctuary and clean and maintain animal enclosures. Involves: Prepare regular and special diets to feed animals. Feed and water animals. Clean, disinfect and maintain cages, enclosures and exhibit areas as needed. Maintain and promote safety of animals, keepers and guests. Monitor animal health and well-being with record keeping. Report animal illness or injury to appropriate staff. Assist veterinary staff as needed with administering medications, providing treatment and restraining. Facilitate training and enrichment programs for the animals. Provide care for animals such as by coping beaks, nails and wing feathers of birds of prey, weighing animals and other services as needed. Must be willing to work a weekend day and some holidays, if necessary.

Provide assistance to other staff and to the public. Involves: Identify maintenance problems and resolve or report as necessary. Assist with grounds and landscaping maintenance and construction if necessary, especially in emergencies. Answer questions from other staff and the public regarding wildlife, exhibits and related. Public speaking, give tours, assists with events, camps and parties, when necessary.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Application of knowledge of care and feeding of wild animals, especially bears and avians.
• Application of some knowledge of American Zoo and Aquarium Association principles and practices.
• Application of some knowledge of sanitation and disinfection processes.
• Prepare and feed animals regular and special diet foods.
• Maintain accurate logs and records of animal care and observation.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the general public.
Maintain a professional appearance.

OTHER JOB CHARACTERISTICS:
Requires mobility within a forest environment, including extreme weather conditions of snow, ice, wind and rainstorms.
• Works around a variety of animal species with potential for bites, kicks, heavy lifting and restraining animals.
• Immune system able to handle exposure to infectious diseases from daily contact with wild animals including bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral pathogens.
• Work indoors and outdoors and at night including emergency conditions.

• Must be able to lift 50+ pounds, climb ladders and walk easily around 35 acres. We are a NON-Smoking and drug free facility. Must be punctual and committed to animal’s welfare first. No domestic pets allowed. Position immediately available.

Education and Pre-requisites

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: MUST HAVE 2 YEARS PRIOR PAID EXPERIENCE WITH BEARS AND RAPTORS. Education and Experience: A High School diploma or GED, college education and degrees in either animal science, animal husbandry, biology, zoology, or other animal related degree; and two (2) years PAID wild animal care and handling experience (AZA; AAZK; ZAA facility or similar organizations), excluding domestic and farm animals. Looking for a keeper with knowledge and experience of wildlife and their husbandry requirements. Mammal/Bird training and handling and especially, bear keeping is essential.

Compensation and benefits

Live 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; 2 hours away from desert, beaches and Los Angeles; water skiing and snow skiing within 30 minutes away; salary and benefits negotiable commensurate with experience; health insurance for full time employee; possible on site living arrangements.

Application instructions

Please submit cover letter, resume, 3 references from prior work and Intern facilities and email to ddwilliams@hughes.net and contact Curator Dragotto at 909-337-1391.