There are many options with regards to seeking a career related to animal care. The AAZK is a good source for information, as is the AZA website. It will help answer that often-asked question "where do I get a job doing what you do?" We hope you find it useful.
If you are a college-enrolled student, please click here for information on our Internship Program.
Volunteer Program:
Volunteers at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary will:
-
Be at least 16 years of age and have reliable transportation
-
Be reliable, mature, and trustworthy
-
Be willing to commit to a routine work schedule of at least four hours per month
-
Be self-motivated and able to follow written and verbal instructions
-
Be respectful of property, policies, and the animals
-
Be able to multi-task and work where they are most needed
-
Be aware of and supportive of the sanctuary's non-profit mission
Volunteer
applications will be accepted year-round. New volunteers
will be recruited from the applicant pool as needs arise. Black Pine
is blessed with many very dedicated, long-time volunteers, so it may be
weeks or even months before new volunteers are added to the roster.
When a gap comes up and new staff are needed to help fill schedules, Black
Pine's personnel will review applications and begin calling to find
suitable candidates.
If you haven't yet visited Black Pine, we highly recommend a personal visit before applying to volunteer. Black Pine's volunteer program is, in many ways, much different from volunteering at a zoo or animal shelter, and our staff will be happy to discuss details with you in person.
In order to become a productive and efficient member of the staff and to enjoy the true rewards of volunteering, we require a commitment to a regular volunteer work schedule. Our experiences have shown that those willing to be on site consistently, at least once each month, and ideally more frequently, are able to truly contribute without a great deal of supervision. The volunteers at Black Pine are an integral part of the operation and they perform many important tasks. Opportunities include animal husbandry, housekeeping, dietary preparation, grounds keeping, maintenance, guest services, and more!
The following is a list of examples of volunteer opportunities at Black Pine:
-
Animal Husbandry. Activities such as cleaning cages, preparing diets for animals, cleaning food
pans, making animal enrichment items,
assisting with veterinary needs, running
errands, etc. -
Tour Guide. To lead tours through the sanctuary providing background information on each area; Enrich visitors experience by giving them opportunities to see and learn about animals by using objects such as skeletons, feathers, pelts, etc.
-
Dietician: To prepare healthy diets for the animals.
-
Administrative Assistant: To assist the Director with daily office administration such as answering the phone and returning phone calls; pick up, drop off, and sort mail; make bank deposits; pick up office supplies; filing; clean office and staff work areas.
-
Front Gate Attendant: Process admissions, membership fees, and animal adoption programs; handle tour appointments and greeting the public; operate cash register, credit card processing terminal; restock and price merchandise on the gift shop cart
-
Maintenance: To help with routine maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment, and various other projects.
More opportunities may also available! Call (260) 636-7383 to inquire.
Are you still interested in volunteering? If what you read above sounds like a good fit for you, then complete and submit the form below to apply to become a volunteer. Once you submit an application it will be reviewed by the Executive Director. If there is a gap that you can fill given your skills and availability, you will be contacted to set up a one-on-one interview at the sanctuary to get started! Thanks for your support of Black Pine's mission!
