Large Animal Care | Solstice Sanctuary

Location: Onsite at the Sanctuary, with light remote administration

Reports to: President, Solstice Sanctuary
Start Date: April, 2026

Term: 6-month contract, part-time, with opportunity to renew
Compensation: $520/month | Approximately 6.5 hours per week | $20/hour

About Solstice Sanctuary

Solstice Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit where animals and humans heal together. We provide a safe, consistent home for rescued horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, and cattle, many of whom have experienced trauma, neglect, or displacement.

Our care philosophy integrates conventional veterinary and equine practice with holistic and alternative methodologies, including red light therapy, essential oils, bodywork, and whole-food nutrition. We believe in the restorative power of the land and the profound healing that emerges when humans and animals share space with empathy and intention.

We value personal wellness as part of our organizational culture. The work is physical and grounding. It is also deeply meaningful.

The Role

The Part-Time Animal Care Lead is a hands-on position responsible for completing scheduled evening care shifts and supporting consistency across the Sanctuary's animal care program. This role combines the physical work of daily animal care with clear communication, volunteer guidance, and limited administrative support.

This position works closely with the President and Sanctuary leadership and serves as the point person when volunteers are onsite during scheduled shifts.

Onsite Schedule:

• Tuesday, 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Areas 1 and 3

• Wednesday, 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Areas 2 and 3

• Thursday, 4:00 to 5:30 PM, Area 2

Remote Administration

Approximately 1 hour per week dedicated to documentation, communication, and coordination. 

Core Responsibilities

Direct Animal Care

The foundation of this role is consistent, attentive care for the Sanctuary's animals. This includes:

• Completing all scheduled care shifts with reliability and accountability

• Feeding and watering animals according to established protocols, including whole-food and supplemental nutrition as directed

• Cleaning pens, stalls, and enclosures, including removal of waste and maintenance of dry, safe bedding

• Preparing feed for upcoming care shifts to support continuity across the team

• Transporting and replenishing hay and feed supplies to designated Sanctuary areas

• Performing brief wellness observations during each shift, noting changes in behavior, appetite, mobility, or demeanor and communicating observations to leadership promptly

• Checking fencing, gates, boards, and enclosures for safety hazards and reporting issues immediately

• Lead training of volunteers during the onsite scheduled shifts ensuring they are knowledgable of animal behavior and care SOPs

• Serving as the onsite point person when volunteers are present, offering guidance and ensuring care tasks are completed correctly

Administrative Support

Administrative responsibilities are limited in scope and focused on supporting the care team:

• Maintaining and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all Sanctuary areas in alignment with leadership direction

• Sharing SOP updates in the Volunteer Care Shift chat and responding to volunteer questions related to care protocols

What We're Looking For

Required

• Proven hands-on experience with large animals, with a strong foundation in equine and/or farm animal care. You should be comfortable and confident around horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, and cattle.

• Reliability and accountability. This role requires consistent presence at scheduled shifts, including holidays and during inclement weather. The animals depend on you.

• Sound judgment and clear communication. You can assess situations independently, stay aligned with Sanctuary leadership, and escalate concerns when appropriate.

• Physical capability for outdoor farm work. This includes lifting and carrying 30+ pounds, working in variable weather, and moving across uneven terrain.

• Dependable personal transportation to and from the Sanctuary.

Valued

• Comfort working within an integrative care approach. We blend conventional equine and veterinary care with holistic and complementary methodologies. You don't need to be an expert in alternative therapies, but you should be open to learning and supportive of this philosophy.

• Experience with rescued or traumatized animals. Many of our residents have experienced neglect or abuse. Patience, calm presence, and an understanding of trauma-informed care are assets.

• Genuine connection to the Sanctuary's mission. We seek someone who finds meaning in this work and who understands that caring for animals is not just a task but a practice.

How to Apply

Please submit:

1. A brief introduction describing your large animal care experience and your interest in this role. Tell us what draws you to Solstice Sanctuary specifically.

2. A resume of relevant experience.

3. Two references who can speak to your reliability and animal care skills.

Email applications to: solsticesanctuary@gmail.com
Application deadline: March 27, 2026 

Next Steps: 

If you're selected to move forward, someone from our team will reach out to schedule an initial screening interview. The process will include a leadership questionnaire and a background check. Candidates who continue may also have the opportunity to meet with Sanctuary leadership.