MUST LOVE DOGS!! CAREGIVER FOR RESCUE DOGS NEEDED!
Have you always wanted to move to a place where you can work with dogs? Are you comfortable around large dogs? Do you have experience in rescue, dog training or veterinary services? Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League (WAMAL) is looking for a full-time caregiver for our dogs at our 12-kennel facility near Puyallup, Washington. We are a breed specific, 100% volunteer run, non-profit rescue. The Caretaker lives on our property full-time and provides daily care, enrichment, training, and rehabilitation to rescue dogs before they transition to an adoptive or foster home. The onsite house is a 4-bedroom 2 1/2 bath home with attached small garage and fenced back and front yards on a property of approximately 4 acres. Due to the high prey drive of our rescues, we cannot have cats on our property, but you may have a dog.
This is not a salaried position, but compensation comes in the form of reduced rent—rate negotiable dependent on experience and level of commitment. This would be a great opportunity for a couple/family/housemates where one person is working from home or is home most of the day. You do not need to be on-site 24/7, but definitely for morning and evening feedings and overnight.
Description of Duties:
- Prepare meals and feed and water all dogs twice daily.
- Administer basic health care and/or medications as needed.
- Monitor health and behavior of dogs and the behavior of volunteers and report issues to the board.
- Receive incoming dogs per prior scheduling, noting that sometimes this occurs unavoidably on short notice, and at inopportune times.
- Transport an animal to an emergency appointment upon authorization.
- Provide basic training per the direction of the board.
- Clean kennels daily, regardless of weather, and properly dispose of waste materials to ensure a sanitary environment.
- Maintain supply inventories i.e., food, prescription medicine, supplements, cleaning products and report low inventory to the site volunteer coordinator.
- Monitor visitor/volunteer arrival/departure times via a sign-in log.
- Maintain the grounds and operate ground maintenance equipment (riding lawnmower, push mower, string trimmer). Report malfunctioning equipment to the board for authorized repairs/replacement.
- Perform light house maintenance, housekeeping, gardening, and lawn care. Report problems to the board and receive pre-authorization to contract repairs.
- Perform minor fence and kennel repairs and report any safety concerns immediately to the board and site volunteer coordinator.
- Maintain appropriate and safe ingress and egress to the driveway and kennel.
- Monitor any contractors onsite to ensure they are aware of health and safety procedures around dogs.
- Secure facility each morning and evening at designated times.
- Assist in finding qualified coverage when not able to be on property for special occasions or vacations to ensure dogs receive continuity of care.
- Interact with and provide instruction to new adoptive and foster families who will pick up dogs from the house.
- Interact with and provide instruction to approved volunteers assisting with dog care at the house.
Qualifications
Proven experience in handling large dogs: experience with Northern breeds preferred. Basic understanding of dog health conditions.
Understanding of basic dog training methods, including handling of fearful dogs.
Dependable, flexible, empathetic, and patient.
Ability to take instruction and willingness to learn new skills.
Excellent communication skills, highly organized, and detail oriented.
Understanding that the duties above require being outdoors in all types of weather.
Housing Arrangement
The Caretaker will live on the property in housing owned by WAMAL.
Rent is reduced as part of agreement, and is negotiable based on qualifications.
WAMAL pays all utilities.
No children under 8 or cats.
The initial contract will be for six months, with the possibility of extending, based on performance.
WAMAL is unable to pay for relocation expenses.
You can have another job alongside the Caretaker role.
We appreciate your interest in this position and look forward to hearing from you! If you have any questions, please write to caretaker@wamal.com.
Best Regards from the WAMAL Board of Directors