Animal Care Keeper

Position: Animal Care Keeper
Employment Type: Full-Time (with Benefits)
Starting Salary: $16/hr
Location: WildCat Ridge Sanctuary (WCR), Scotts Mills, Oregon

WildCat Ridge Sanctuary (WCR) is a true sanctuary providing a lifelong home for wildcats and other animals in need. We are currently seeking a passionate, hardworking, and dedicated Animal Care Keeper to join our team. This role is ideal for individuals committed to animal welfare who are ready to make a tangible difference in the lives of rescued wildcats.

Responsibilities:

• Daily husbandry: Prepare and distribute specialized diets, ensure fresh water is available, and maintain clean and sanitary habitats.
• Habitat maintenance & enrichment: Clean and maintain enclosures, assist with habitat repairs, and implement enrichment activities that encourage natural behaviors.
• Animal health monitoring: Observe animal behaviors for signs of illness or distress, report concerns to senior staff, and assist with veterinary care as needed.
• Record-keeping: Maintain detailed logs of feeding, enrichment, medical treatments, and behavioral observations.
• General facility upkeep: Assist with grounds maintenance, landscaping, and ensuring a safe environment for animals, staff, and visitors.
• Weather adaptability: Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and cold.
• Physical demands: Lift and carry up to 50 lbs, perform repetitive motions, and stand or walk for extended periods.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of one year working in an animal care role (sanctuary, zoo, wildlife rehab, or similar setting).
• Education (Preferred): A degree in an animal-related field (such as zoology, wildlife biology, animal science, or veterinary technology) is strongly preferred.
• Age requirement: Must be at least 21 years old.
• Independence & teamwork: Ability to work both independently and as part of a close-knit team in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment.
• Detail-oriented & safety-conscious: Strong observational skills and commitment to following protocols.
• Communication skills: Must be fluent in English (both written and verbal) to ensure clear communication in a safety-sensitive environment.
• Reliability: Must have reliable transportation and be able to provide own housing (onsite housing is not available).

Why Join Us?

• Work with a highly dedicated team at an accredited, ethical sanctuary.
• Make a real impact in the lives of rescued wildcats.
• Opportunities to grow and develop within the field of animal care.

If you are passionate about wildlife and animal welfare and want to be part of a mission-driven organization, we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply: 

Submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience, a copy of your driver’s license, and at least two professional references to wcr.animalcare@gmail.com.

WildCat Ridge Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit accredited by the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance (BCSA), Tigers in America, and verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).