The Milo Foundation occasionally has job openings at both Milo Marin
in San Rafael and the Sanctuary in Willits. If you've ever wanted a
meaningful job working with animals that does not involve dealing with
the heartbreak of euthanasia, but rather rescuing animals from that
fate, read on. Open positions are posted.
SANCTUARY POSITIONS:
MILO SANCTUARY LIVE-IN ANIMAL CARETAKER POSITION
The Milo Sanctuary, located near Willits, California in Mendocino County has a rare opening for a Full-Time Animal Caretaker who will reside on the property. Duties include but are not limited to: medicating (e.g., dosing/administering/ordering), feeding and diet planning, behavioral training, socializing, first aid and wound care, maintaining cleaning and medicating protocols, vaccinating, blood draws, administering sub-cutaneous fluids, grooming, and other tasks related to the care of 100+ cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens.
The Milo Sanctuary is one of America’s largest animal sanctuaries, covering 283-acres. In conjunction with our Milo Marin Rescue and Adoption Center in the Bay Area (San Rafael), the Milo Sanctuary, and our website at www.milofoundation.org, The Milo Foundation has been serving the San Francisco Bay Area, and the state of California since 1994. Annually we adopt out more than 1,000 animals and in our 15-year history, Milo has rescued some 15,000 companion animals. We are funded by private donations and adoption fees, and stay afloat through the dedication of dozens of animal-passionate volunteers.
THIS IS A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL ANIMAL CARE POSITION. Applying candidates must have at least 5 years paid experience in directly caring for animals and/or vet tech certified. Knowledge of public animal shelters and shelter medicine a plus. Must work independently, as well as part of a team. Must possess good problem solving skills and be able to handle crises. Experience with large animals a plus. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and be in excellent health. Must be proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, and database management. Must be able to easily switch gears and direction “on a dime,” as priorities change based on animal needs and intake. Strong math and communications skills required. Drug testing and background checks are required.
The Sanctuary is a remote, rugged, wilderness location with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Position requires working outdoors in all weather conditions for a majority of the day, with no exceptions, 5 days on and 2 days off, with weekends required. Legal holidays are half days. It is very solitary environment: live-In Sanctuary manager, day staff, & 100+ animals that live on the property. The work is demanding both physically and emotionally. This position reports to the Sanctuary Manager.
Documented time spent in any of the fields listed below are a great asset: Forestry, Commercial Fishing, Farming, Ranching, “Remote Workplace” Experience, Game Warden-Rural Law Enforcement, and Military Service, for example.
Salary is commensurate with experience, housing is included, health benefits are available after a probationary period. You are required to come for a 3-day work trial/interview. You will be paid a stipend for the weekend, but getting to the Sanctuary is your responsibility.
Please send cover letter, resume and three references along affiliations and how you have interacted with them. We may ask for additional references as well. No phone calls accepted regarding this position.
Please email to info@milofoundation.org. Initial interview will be by telephone.
Position start date: Spring/Summer 2009
NO CALLS PLEASE!
- email to info@milofoundation.org REFERENCE: Sanctuary Caretaker Position
Physical Requirements:
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ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
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no known animal allergies, especially dogs and cats
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ability to squat, twist and bend
- recent medical exam and a clean bill of health
Skills Requirements:
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animal handling
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record keeping
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computer literacy in word processing, database, spreadsheet, email
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driving (Valid California Driver License and clean driving record)
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VET tech experience a real plus
Other Qualifications:
KNOWLEDGE, QUALITIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR ALL SANCTUARY STAFF
1. Outdoorsy, strong and resilient; capable of working outside for long hours in any type of weather.
2. Well-balanced, good sense of humor, and mentally strong; the isolation, especially during the long rainy months, can be
hard to take.
3. Ability to adapt to a constantly changing schedule.
4. Motivated and focused, capable of taking on a project and seeing it to completion.
5. Responsible and capable of working independently without constant supervision.
6. Patient: the animals, the rain, the heat, the mud, the dust WILL drive you nuts at times.
7. Able to work well with others as part of a very tightly knit team of dedicated animal advocates.
8. Drug testing, background check, and Live Scan required.
ABOUT WORKING AND VOLUNTEERING AT THE SANCTUARY:
If you like vigorous physical work in an open air setting and being around dogs, LOTS of dogs... and CATS, many cats! If you have a philosophical attitude about poop...
We are looking for people who love animals, who are committed to their well-being, who enjoy working outside and are ready to get dirty. The dogs are exuberant and mostly untrained (but grateful!). The work is physically demanding, very hands-on and sometimes stressful, often rewarding. The cats are many, and varied, tame and feral. They have their own "Cat-House" and all the great outdoors... Training is provided.
You will be part of a team but will frequently work independently feeding and exercising dogs, attending to the health needs of the animals, cleaning yards and concrete areas, managing groups of dogs, and sometimes grooming and bathing or other animal related activities. Record keeping and database entry too.
You must love dogs, and/or cats, be reliable, compassionate, patient, able to follow instructions and to work independently.
You must also be able to interact with volunteers, adopters, co-workers, shelter and veterinary staff, and others.
