COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

Current Job Openings:

Animal Caregiver: Farmed Animals – Brooks, ME

Animal Caregiver: Horses – Freedom, ME

Barn Cleaner – Brooks, ME

Peace Ridge Sanctuary is a non-profit animal protection organization dedicated to improving the lives of all animals – farmed animals, equines, companion animals, and wildlife. We run four state-licensed, GFAS-accredited, world-class animal shelters in midcoast Maine that are home to over 450 animals at any given time. We pride ourselves on our superior animal health care and farm management practices. If you are looking to join a hard-working, dedicated team of animal advocates, check out of open listings below.

ANIMAL CAREGIVER (Farmed Animal or Equine)

After Reading Job Description Fully, Click Here for Link to Required Job Application

Animal Caregivers help ensure that all our residents receive the highest level of daily, individualized care and that barns and habitats are cleaned and maintained in a way that ensures hygienic and dignified living. Because the sanctuary residents need care each day, scheduling typically includes weekend and holiday time. Below is an overview summary of the job description and requirements. Please note, staff may be assigned other tasks and duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the sanctuary.

Daily Animal Care

Health Checks – performing overview health checks on animals daily (am/pm); performing detailed health checks as directed; carefully monitoring animals for health or behavioral changes or problems; promptly reporting any issues or concerns; filling out animal incident reports
Feeding & Watering – following all feeding schedules/plans; cleaning all feed bowls before each meal; ensuring fresh water at all times; washing/bleaching buckets/troughs regularly; checking heated buckets working and water is warm/ice-free in the winter
Minerals & Supplements – providing minerals & supplementation, as trained and directed
Special Care & Medical Protocols – performing or assisting with medical protocols, as directed
Medical Appointments – Assisting with veterinary/farrier appointments; transporting small animals to veterinary appointments as needed
Enrichment – providing enrichment for animals, as directed
Maintaining Animal Records – participating in proper and thorough records keeping, as directed

Daily Habitat Maintenance

Barn Cleaning – animal caregivers help participate in daily barn cleaning with an eye to detail
Pasture/Habitat – habitat and pasture pickup is part of daily cleaning
Landscaping – participating in landscaping tasks, as assigned
Tack Spaces – keep tack spaces organized and tidy at all times – no garbage
Trash Removal – remove all trash from areas, including strings/bags, etc.
Equipment/Tool Maintenance – keep equipment/tools in good working order; clean waste off shovels/rakes; keep vehicles clean (inside & out); report all damage
Visiting Season – cleanliness is important every day, but especially during our June-October visiting season when we are operating as a model for animal care

Other Responsibilities

Animal Intakes – assisting with animal rescues, transport, and intake exams as directed; setting up for new intakes; following quarantine/biohazard practices as directed
Team Training – assisting with training new staff/interns/volunteers, as directed
Supplies – picking up shavings/grain deliveries and other supplies, as requested
Shared Spaces – helping to keep common spaces clean and hygienic
Self-Sufficiency/Team Building – problem solve when you can; help fellow team members
Research – continue learning independently; keeping up to date on all required reading

Required Qualifications & Skills

Previous experience working, interning, or volunteering in a sanctuary, high-capacity shelter, veterinary setting, or similar environment is strongly preferred
Must have excellent animal observation skills & willingness to learn about best care practices
Must be able to perform strenuous physical activity throughout your shift, including repeatedly lifting 50lb. grain bags, hay bales, and physically restraining animals
Must be able to precisely and carefully follow detailed instructions and ask questions as needed
Must be a team player who works well with others but can also work independently
Must be punctual, reliable, dependable, and able to communicate effectively and respectfully with team members and managers and respond to feedback in a constructive way
Must have a positive attitude and willingness to work in a challenging environment
Must have the ability to adapt to changing situations, including emergencies, as things don’t always go as planned working with animals
Must be physically (and mentally) able to perform all assigned tasks in any weather conditions, including harsh winter weather, summer heat, heavy rain, etc.
Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Commitment to the mission of the organization and understanding of our vegan philosophy

Please note, we are looking to hire someone who wants a long-term position doing this type of work. If you are just looking to fill time between jobs or looking for something to do until the right thing comes along, this job is not for you. Starting pay is $17/hour, based on qualifications. On-site housing may be available as part of your compensation package. Apply Online Today!

No phone calls or visits, please. Questions? Email melissa@peaceridgesanctuary.org

BARN CLEANER (Brooks, ME)

After Reading Job Description Fully, Click Here for Link to Required Job Application

*** Please note, previous shelter experience is not needed for this position, but we do want all applicants to understand this is a vegan sanctuary and familiarize themselves with our organization and mission before applying.

Barn Cleaners report directly to the Operations Manager and ensure that all our residents receive the highest level of daily, individualized care and that our facility is cleaned and maintained in a way that respects and preserves this beautiful facility we have been gifted with to do this important work.

Responsibilities

Barn, habitat, sanctuary cleaning/maintenance, and yardwork
Using tractors, farm truck, wheelbarrows, and other tools to perform daily tasks
Stocking/moving 50 lb. grain bags, shavings, hay bales, etc.
Working both independently as well as with shelter staff as needed
Jumping on other physical tasks as needed/requested by shift lead

Qualifications

Able to work in all weather conditions – particularly harsh Maine winters
Able to repeatedly perform strenuous physical labor and lifting
Must have the stamina & endurance to do a full-time, physically demanding job
Must be able to follow detailed instructions
Must have a willingness to help us uphold our high standards of barn/habitat cleanliness
Team player with the ability to work with others, but also able to work independently
Able to take direction from female managers and respond to constructive feedback
Very reliable and dependable – maintaining our schedules is mandatory
Positive attitude and willingness to work in a challenging environment
Comfort working around large animals (horses, cows, pigs, donkeys, goats, sheep)
Understanding that working with animals at PRS requires patience and kindness
Understanding of Peace Ridge Sanctuary’s organizational programs and goals
Valid driver’s license with clean driving record required

This job isn’t for the faint of heart. This is the kind of job (farm work) where you’ll be expected to show up on time for each shift ready to work hard. The majority of your time will be spent cleaning multiple animal barns and habitats every shift, with the aid of a tractor or a wheelbarrow (tractor may not always be available for all work). Other physical labor such as stocking barns with supplies will be required. This is a physically demanding job.

No phone calls or visits, please. Questions? Email melissa@peaceridgesanctuary.org

FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION (Brooks, Belfast, or Freedom)

We are always interested in hearing from qualified candidates with farmed animal and/or equine caregiving experience, shelter/sanctuary experience, veterinary/tech backgrounds and credentials, and/or nonprofit experience. If you would like to be considered for future jobs as new positions open up, please complete the application below for us to keep on file.

Fill Out an Online Application for Us to Keep on File for Future Hires

No phone calls or visits, please. Questions? Email melissa@peaceridgesanctuary.org

LOOKING TO INTERN OR VOLUNTEER?

Please check out our internship and volunteer opportunities if you would like to get involved or follow the directions below to submit your information for consideration when future positions open up.

Thank you for your interest in joining the PRS team!

Peace Ridge Sanctuary is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, color, gender (including gender identity or expression), pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristics, protected medical condition, military status or any other classifications that are protected under applicable federal or state anti-discrimination law.