Facility

The Oasis Sanctuary, Benson, AZ

Closing Date

Description

The Oasis Sanctuary is a nonprofit, life-care facility for captive exotic Psittacines (parrots), although we do accept other captive avian species. As a sanctuary, we do not sell, breed or offer birds for adoption. Our mission is to offer lifetime care to parrots who have no other option and inspire change to end the captive parrot crisis. The sanctuary is located on 72 acres in the rural area of Cascabel, in southeastern Arizona. The closest retail services are located 25 miles south in Benson.

We are seeking A COUPLE [only] who are both highly motivated, passionate and dedicated to the daily care of 800 birds who call The Oasis home. This is more than a “job”….it is an emotional investment, and a deep devotion in knowing the birds as individuals and helping the increasing numbers of parrots in need. The work is physical, dirty and often unglamorous but can be highly rewarding with great personal satisfaction.

Responsibilities:
Our Caregivers must have a genuine interest in birds and their well being. You must be dedicated to birds, hard working and ready to always do what is needed for the parrots. You need to be someone who likes people too, and can be warm and friendly with visitors, volunteers and supporters.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Daily feeding, which includes cleaning of food bowls and feeding areas, and preparing diets
• Daily cleaning and maintenance of all cages and enclosures
• Monitoring the health of all animals and providing supportive medical care as needed, including administering medications
• Providing enrichment and socialization interactions for happy and healthy birds
• Maintaining sanctuary grounds
• Special projects as needed

Education and Pre-requisites

As part of the application process, selected applicants will be requested to travel to the sanctuary and volunteer a minimum of 4 days. We can offer accommodations on site, however travel and food is at the applicant’s expense.

• High school diploma is required. College course are preferred. A college degree is not required.
• Previous bird care and handling experience preferred and/or college study in the fields related to zoology, animal science, biology, veterinary services, etc.
• Full time position-40 hours per week. Overtime as needed to ensure proper care of all animals. Employees are scheduled to work 5 days with a 2-day weekend. You must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
• In good physical condition: Able to bend, reach kneel, stoop, twist, lift, push, pull, stand for long periods and walk on uneven terrain. Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds. Comfortable on ladders, using power tools and operating outdoor equipment.
• Must be able to perform regular, strenuous duties in all desert weather conditions (rain, wind, snow) and weather extremes (hot and cold). We can experience daily changes in climate
• Must be able to work in our indoor and outdoor dusty environments. Allergens are heavy due to desert dust and bird dander/dust
• Must be able to tolerate high levels of noise
• You will be exposed to animal waste and potentially aggressive parrots
• Mechanical or maintenance skills are beneficial
• Veterinary Assistant or Tech experience, or prior experience in an animal rescue setting is beneficial
• Compassion and dependability a must
• Able to work independently but be cohesive with the team
• Must be willing to live onsite in Oasis provided housing
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License and reliable vehicle capable of handling county maintained dirt roads

Compensation and benefits

• Modest hourly salary-starting at $12.00/hour;
• On-site housing provided rent free (3 bedroom single wide mobile home). This equates to approximately $4800 in compensation annually. Pets always considered
• Essential utilities provided (electric, gas, water, trash removal). This equates to approximately $2400 in compensation annually;
• Non-essential utilities must be covered by employee (phone, internet, satellite/cable TV, etc);
• Provide your own health insurance. Oasis does offer a modest health insurance benefit for employees carrying individual health insurance plans;
• Dental Discount plan available

Application instructions

Only couples or committed house mates should apply. We have 2 open positions but only one on-site home available.

If you both have the passion and commitment for these special birds, please send your cover letter and resume to:
Janet Trumbule
Executive Director of Administration
jetrumbule@the-oasis.org
520-212-4737

Visit our web-site at www.the-oasis.org to learn about the important work we do.
The Oasis Sanctuary Foundation, 501(c)(3) – Cascabel/Benson, Arizona