What are the responsibilities and job description for the Onsite Animal Sanctuary Manager (This is a Live-In, Volunteer Role) position at Magical Creatures Sanctuary?
Onsite Animal Sanctuary Volunteer Manager
Volunteer Position — Unpaid
About Magical Creatures Sanctuary
Magical Creatures Sanctuary is a volunteer-run nonprofit animal sanctuary on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, providing lifelong care for more than 90 rescued animals.
We welcome individuals who freely choose to contribute their time, skills, and experience to support our mission. This is a rural, off-grid environment suited to people who enjoy nature, animals, and a close-knit volunteer community.
About the Role
The Onsite Animal Sanctuary Manager is an unpaid volunteer leadership role supporting the day-to-day operation of the sanctuary. This role is designed for an experienced volunteer who enjoys animal care, organization, problem-solving, and helping other volunteers.
Volunteer Managers may assist with:
- Coordinating daily volunteer activities and animal-care tasks.
- Training and supporting volunteers and interns.
- Monitoring animal health and communicating concerns to leadership or veterinary professionals.
- Helping maintain animal-care records, supplies, facilities, and equipment.
- Supporting tours, educational activities, and sanctuary programs.
- Assisting with emergencies and communicating significant safety or operational concerns.
- Helping maintain a safe, organized, and respectful volunteer environment.
Volunteer Participation
This is a voluntary, unpaid position and does not create an employment relationship.
There are no guaranteed or required hours. Managers are generally encouraged to contribute approximately 2½–3½ days per week, depending on their availability and the needs of the sanctuary. A commitment of approximately six months or longer is strongly encouraged to support continuity.
Housing & Volunteer Support
Designated private or shared onsite housing may be provided to support participation in the volunteer program. Utilities, internet, and staple foods may also be provided. Limited use of a shared sanctuary vehicle and reimbursement of approved sanctuary-related expenses may be available under sanctuary policy. These resources are provided to facilitate the volunteer experience.
Qualifications
- Experience with farmed animals, sanctuaries, veterinary care, or comparable animal-care settings.
- Ability to recognize and communicate animal-health concerns.
- Strong communication, organization, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to respectfully guide and support other volunteers.
- Commitment to humane animal care and sanctuary policies.
- Valid driver's license if vehicle use is required.
- Veterinary, animal-health, sanctuary leadership, maintenance, first aid, or CPR experience is a plus.
Physical Environment
Volunteer activities may involve outdoor work, uneven terrain, large animals, animal waste, dust, insects, cleaning supplies, and changing weather conditions. Volunteers should only participate in activities appropriate for their training and physical abilities.
Pay: $1.00 per hour
Expected hours: 18.0 – 30.0 per week
Application Question(s):
- Do you understand this is a complete volunteer role at a fully volunteer run non profit organization? There is no pay.
- Please describe your past work or volunteer experience(s) you feel are relevant to this position.
- What types of animals do you have direct experience with? Please describe.
- Do you have any experience with or exposure to animal sanctuaries? What does sanctuary mean to you?
- Do you understand that Magical Creatures Sanctuary (MCS) is a vegan organization? We kindly ask that all volunteers and visitors respect our values by refraining from bringing or consuming animal products while onsite.
Work Location: In person