Job Opportunities
Work at Black Pine
Seasonal Docents
Part Time
BLACK PINE ANIMAL SANCTUARY IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY, NON-PROFIT EMPLOYER.
Mission: To provide a refuge to captive-raised exotic animals while educating, advocating, and building awareness about animal welfare.
Vision: To be a sanctuary of distinction focusing on exotic animal welfare and education.
Seasonal Docent – Part Time, May-October – Hourly
Broad Function: The seasonal docent position will primarily serve as an educator for an assigned zone within the sanctuary during general admission hours or events. The docent’s role is to educate the public on our mission at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, actively engage with guests, answer general questions, and uphold our guidelines on sanctuary grounds to provide an educational and enriching experience. The docent role is seasonal from the beginning of May to the end of October.
Key Capabilities:
- Interpersonal skills – ability to actively engage our guests and enhance the educational experience while advocating for our mission.
- Knowledge and Education – the ability to learn, understand, and convey how a true sanctuary works, the backstories of our residents for a given zone or habitat on the grounds, including some species-specific behaviors and specialized care given at BPAS
- Advocacy – willing to advocate against the exotic pet trade and inform our guests of the importance of responsible pet care and the plight of the animals involved
- Risk management – Possess good judgment and track record for working with and around potentially dangerous animals, animal by-products, noise, equipment, etc.
- Teamwork – Able to work respectfully with others at varying degrees of experience
- Initiative – Able and willing to jump in where needed to help facilitate a pleasant experience for our guests and a productive day for our BPAS team
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent, or an active student in good standing
- Customer Service experience or the willingness to effectively and comfortably engage with the public, including a range of age groups
- Must have reliable, all-weather transportation
- Physically able to lift to 40 pounds; able to sit or stand for extended periods
- Must be able to work a minimum of three shifts per week or at least 12 hours ), including weekends & holidays, and a minimum of __3__ Hot Summer Nights events
- Must be able to perform duties in an environment that involves prolonged exposure to animals, byproducts, feed carcasses, bedding materials, feeds, etc.
- Must be able to fill in gaps to keep the day running smoothly and ensure other tasks are completed to maximize working hours. This may include but is not limited to assisting in pulling weeds, removing limbs from the grounds, collecting trash and recycling for the day, housekeeping, etc.
- Able to work in weather extremes of heat, rain, and cold.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume with two references to exec@blackpine.org.
Exotic Animal Lead Keeper
Full Time
Exotic Animal Lead Keeper -Full-Time
The Lead Keeper position is integral to the success of Black Pine. We are seeking someone passionate about animals & the Black Pine mission. The ideal candidate will have ‘autonomous’ animal husbandry experience, some veterinary experience, and knowledge about animal behaviors and enrichment. Additional skills include time management, flexibility, organization, a positive attitude, and a “get it done” mentality. Animal Keepers work 3.5 days per week with 3.5 days off. Paid time off within the first 90 days.
Key Capabilities:
- Animal husbandry – Understanding basic principles and practices for exotic animal care for various species.
- Risk management – Possess sound judgment and track record for working with and around potentially dangerous animals, animal byproducts, noise, equipment, etc.
- Teamwork – Able to work respectfully with others at varying degrees of experience.
- Project management – Able to multitask, mentor others, and follow up on ongoing organizational projects.
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent, plus post-high school life science education and paid-related work experience.
- Previous experience as a “primary” caregiver for multiple animals/species.
- Supervisory experience.
- Must have reliable, all-weather transportation.
- Physically able to lift up to 40 pounds and sit or stand for extended periods.
- Must be able to work at least 40 hours per week on a flexible schedule, including weekends & holidays.
- Must be able to perform duties in an environment with exposure to animals, byproducts, feed carcasses, bedding materials, feeds, etc., for a prolonged period.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume with two references to exec@blackpine.org. Only experienced animal care applicants will be considered.
