Animal Caretaker

ABOUT APEX:

Apex Protection Project was founded in 2014 and is an internationally recognized and respected 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to protecting wolves and wolf “hybrids” (also called wolfdogs) through rescue, educational programming, and advocacy. Currently, our sanctuary, located in the high desert one hour north of Hollywood is home to 23 rescued, captive-born wolves and wolfdogs, one dog, and one cat. You can learn more by visiting apexprotectionproject.org

POSITION OVERVIEW:

A Pack Caretaker at Apex Protection Project is responsible for the direct care and well-being of the animals living at the sanctuary. They are also responsible for assisting in projects related to the pack’s wellbeing and facility upkeep. This role performs and oversees daily routines including preparing food, feeding, providing fresh water, enrichment, health monitoring, delivering medications and supplements, and habitat/facility maintenance, working alongside other Caretakers while supervising a team of volunteers. A Pack Caretaker must have a deep understanding of wolf and wolfdog behavior, excellent observation skills, and a commitment to providing the highest standards of ethical, non-exploitative care. A Pack Caretaker must be willing to expand their knowledge and experience to caring for other predators including coyotes and foxes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Care Leadership

• Perform and oversee volunteers in daily animal care including food prep and feeding, providing fresh water in clean containers, cleaning habitats and other areas animals spend time, cleaning food prep areas to USDA standard, providing enrichment, health checks, and behavioral observation for all animals.
• Assist in maintaining detailed daily records (“Pack Care Report”) of animal behavior, health, and incidents.
• Assist in maintaining an inventory of supplies needed for animal care including food, supplements, vitamins, medications, treats, enrichment supplies, cat litter, and cleaning supplies and order as necessary according to the inventory chart.

Behavioral Observation & Safety

• Monitor pack dynamics and individual behavior to identify changes, signs of stress, illness, or injury.

Enrichment & Welfare

• Implement daily and long-term enrichment programs that support natural behaviors.
• Assist in maintaining a consistent enrichment calendar and track its effectiveness.
• Promote calm, respectful human-animal interactions with minimal intrusion or stress.
• Assist in monitoring animal safety & welfare and implementing policies and procedures designed to support them under the guidance of the Directors and the Apex Behavior and Training Committee.

Team Leadership & Training

• Lead, train, and support volunteers involved in animal care.
• Assign daily care tasks and ensure consistent follow-through and quality.
• Provide ongoing education on wolf and wolfdog-specific care, safety, and sanctuary best practices including supporting the Director of Operations and Executive Director in implementing and training staff on safety protocols for working with wolves and wolfdogs.

Habitat Oversight

• Conduct regular inspections of enclosures and alert the operations team of repairs or upgrades needed.
• Ensure cleanliness, safety, and environmental stimulation within habitats.

Medical Support

• Administer medications, supplements, and treatments as directed by the veterinarian or senior staff.
• Assist during health checks, sedations, and medical procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred

Although the qualifications listed below are not required, they are preferred.

• Minimum 1 full year of hands-on experience caring for dogs, wolves, wolfdogs, or other wild or exotic animals.
• Basic understanding of canid behavior, pack dynamics, and both wild and captive-born wolf and wolfdog needs.
• Veterinary technician experience a plus.

Required

• Strong observational, documentation, and communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a physically demanding, outdoor environment in all weather conditions.
• Ability to hike uphill and handle a 90 pound animal.
• Able to safely lift 50 pounds and perform manual tasks (e.g., hauling food, repairing habitats) using basic tools (e.g. hammers, pliers, wrenches, screw drivers, etc.)
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and respond to emergencies as needed. This includes responding to text messages, phone calls, email, through apps, communication platforms, and appearing in person when called upon. This may include responding at the request of the Directors, Management, or staff and volunteers when in need of help or assistance.
• Familiarity with basic computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel and the Google Platform.
• The ability and willingness to problem-solve and use deductive thinking to help make improvements or fix issues, using creativity to improve quality.

If the employee does not possess these qualifications, they must be willing to receive training, attend continuing ed courses, and obtain and study reading materials to expand knowledge for such while employed at Apex Protection Project. The above will be at the discretion of Apex Protection Project and supplied by Apex Protection Project. Apex is open to suggested training opportunities by the Pack Caretaker.

Work Environment:

This is an on-site position at a remote sanctuary facility that requires physical labor outside in all kinds of weather. It also involves close daily contact with wolves and wolfdogs, considered to be potentially dangerous animals, and many of whom may not be socialized to human interaction. It requires a deep respect for the animals’ autonomy, a safety-first mindset, and the ability to stay calm in unpredictable situations.

The position also involves working collaboratively with other staff members and requires experienced leadership of volunteers.

Compensation:

One full work shift equals nine (9) hours with one paid 10-minute rest break per four (4) hours and up to one-hour unpaid lunch break. Employees working more than five (5) hours but not the full work shift may take one paid 10-minute rest break per four (4) hours and one 30-minute unpaid lunch break. (According to CA Labor Laws)

• Current hourly shift pay: $18 per hour.
• Over-Time: “Over-Time” equals pay for consecutive hours worked after one full work shift. The pay for these hours is “time and one half” per hour. Over-time hours may be required to complete mandatory duties after an official workday, facility/pack watch, and emergency response after the official full work shift at the discretion of the Directors.
• Overnight Facility Watch: There will be times when you will be expected to watch the facility and the resident pack overnight. On these days, you will be paid your normal hourly rate for your official full work shift/s. After your official daily shift/s, you will receive five (5) hours of over-time for the overnight stay. If working the following day, you will clock in the next morning at the designated shift start time.

Schedule:

Part-time: 2-3 days, flexible and will be determined depending upon the needs of the organization.

Place of Work:

Apex Protection Project Ranch & Sanctuary, 1431 East Soledad Pass Road, Palmdale, CA 93550. You will also be required to work at various off-site locations.