Facility
The Oasis Sanctuary in Benson, AZ
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
TWO FULL TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE…for couple or roommates only*
*Currently, we will consider only couples or friends that are able and willing to share housing and work together. We must fill two full time positions and will provide housing, but presently have only one home available.
• Full time avian caregiver
• Full time position with split responsibilities – Part time avian caregiver / part time Sponsorship administrator
About Oasis:
The Oasis Sanctuary is a life-care facility for captive exotic birds (Psittacines), although we do accept other captive avian species. The Oasis Sanctuary is proud to be accredited by both American Sanctuary Association (ASA) and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). We do not sell, breed or offer birds for adoption. The birds are given a stable and loving home for the duration of their natural lives. With 800 birds in our care we are seeking hardworking and dedicated individuals to provide daily care.
Animal Caregivers must have a genuine interest in parrots and their well-being. You don’t need to have been a parrot caregiver before though that’s preferred. But you do need to love them, and be completely dedicated to their care and well being. Working at The Oasis is not just a job, but a lifestyle. Our staff is very hard working and we always put the parrots needs first. You need to be someone who likes people too, and can be warm and friendly with visitors and volunteers. You need to be easy to work with and support the team by doing whatever it takes to ensure the bird’s ongoing care.
The work is physical, dirty and often unglamorous, but can be highly rewarding. It offers the personal satisfaction of helping to provide a stable environment for birds to peacefully live out the remainder of their lives.
The sanctuary is located on 72 acres in a rural area of southeastern Arizona. The San Pedro River valley is home to beautiful scenic views and amazing desert wildlife. The Oasis is accessed from the town of Benson by a long country road, partially dirt. Benson is located 25 miles south and offers us our closest retail services.
Avian Caregiver Position #1-Summary:
Avian Caregiver: Working within a team structure to oversee the well-being, care and quality of life for all parrots at The Oasis Sanctuary.
Responsibilities:
• Diet preparation, change food/ water and maintain feeding stations daily, following established protocols.
• Clean cages, floors and rooms daily, following established protocols
• Become knowledgeable and monitor each animal’s normal health and behavior. Report any changes or concerns to the Executive Director.
• Observe behavior patterns in order to create a safe and stimulating environment for each bird.
• Clean and maintain outdoor aviaries and sanctuary grounds.
• Keep building and work areas clean and well stocked with necessary food and supplies.
• Maintain quarantine birds in accordance with proper procedures and bio-security standards.
• Administer and document required medications and supplements for the birds.
• Be able to handle and properly restrain when necessary all birds on-site.
• Interact with volunteers and visitors in a positive manner on a regular basis.
• Display a willingness to learn by completing independent research.
• Be attentive to others’ needs and willingly assist as required.
• Treat birds and co-workers with respect and kindness always.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Senior Staff.
Position 2-Avian Caregiver/Sponsorship Administrator/split responsibilities:
Sponsorship Administrator: A critical program that provides funding for the care of the parrots. This role is focused on preparing and providing Bird Sponsors (donors) with their birds informational packets and ongoing updates. Works directly with the Executive Director
• All Avian Caregiver responsibilities as noted above
• Photograph our parrot residents for use in sponsor packages
• Edit and design sponsor communications and gifts
• Prepare fun and interesting bird updates to the sponsor/donors and support donor communications.
Education and Pre-requisites
Avian Caregiver Skills and Experience:
• Strong desire to work with parrots is required. Previous experience working with parrots preferred but not required. Vet assistant or tech experience a plus.
• Able to demonstrate after a short training period, a working knowledge of different parrot species, individual birds in residence and their care requirements within established protocols, and Oasis operating procedures.
• Mechanical, construction and maintenance skills would be beneficial.
• Demonstrates approachability when dealing with the general public.
• Demonstrates ability to create and encourage a positive work environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, i.e., ability to develop positive relationships with others and demonstrate sensitivity to the thoughts, feelings and perspectives of others.
• Demonstrates personal accountability to ensure that all responsibilities are completed effectively and in a timely manner. Candidates must be extremely dependable.
• Accurate, appropriate, clear and concise written and verbal communication skills. Strong listening skills.
• Able and willing to professionally advocate Oasis Sanctuary’s position on issues.
• High school diploma or GED
Physical Requirements:
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to routinely lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to above 100 degrees.
• Must be able to perform strenuous physical activity on a daily basis, including but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, kneeling, cleaning and bending.
• Must be able to work around allergens like dust and dander, indoors and outdoors.
• Must be able to work with high levels of noise.
• Ability to handle and work effectively around all types of birds. You will be exposed to potentially aggressive parrots.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle capable of handling county maintained dirt roads.
• Due to our rural location candidates must be willing to live on site.
Additional Sponsorship Coordinator Requirements:
• Photography skills used to photograph our parrot residents
• Basic photo editing and graphic design knowledge
• Writing skills to prepare fun and interesting bird updates to the sponsor/donors and to support donor communications.
• Office administration skills to include verbal communication skills, maintaining hard copy and electronic records, proficient in Word, Excel, Publisher, and Adobe products (would be beneficial). Can train on Donor Management System.
Compensation and benefits
Modest hourly salary starting at $11/hour-both positions
Housing and essential utilities provided (electric, gas, water and trash removal). All non-essential utilities or services must be covered by employee.
Home is 4 miles from the sanctuary in our beautiful San Pedro River Valley. Dirt roads are the norm here so reliable transportation is required. This home is an open floor plan and loft. Pets typically not allowed but may be open to discussion.
Application instructions
Please send Cover Letter and Resume for review to:
Janet Trumbule
Executive Director of Administration
jetrumbule@the-oasis.org.
Contact our office at 520-212-4737 for further information.
Visit our web-site at www.the-oasis.org to learn about the important work we do.