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We are mostly a working ranch with ducks, rabbits, chickens, cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, camels, alpacas, and tortoises. Volunteers should not have any allergies or sensitivities to any animals if they want to do volunteer with us. The ranch is permanently occupied by myself (Joy). We have up to 10 volunteers at a time during the weekday time that are challenged individuals. Generally, there are people around the ranch. However, much of the work is independent of others. Some may, at times, feel isolated such as when you are out on the ranch working alone or feeding. Other times, the ranch comes alive with guests, volunteers, staff and youth. There is a wide variety of work to be done so it is rare that we get complaints about the lack of diversity. Most volunteers enjoy the opportunity to learn to work with animals and livestock. The property is 26 acres of trees on uneven terrain. The weather is cold and wet December through part of March, warmer and less rain April thru May; hot during the months of June through September and mild to cool in October and November. We teach life skills to youth through their on-going service work helping homeless animals and learning environmental appreciation. Our main focus is working and teaching animal husbandry and working with livestock. However, we do not slaughter or consume (eat) animals raised on this ranch. Most volunteers assist with caring for the animals. However, other areas of need for help are with carpentry, landscaping, gardening, maintenance, cleaning, cooking, errands, administration, gathering, cutting and splitting wood for winter, assistance with youth who come to the ranch, fencing, electrical, plumbing. We are open to consider any other skills or experience visitors may have to offer. Possible Responsibilities & Duties: Cleaning large animal and small animal shelter housing barns. Barn cleaners are assigned daily cleaning responsibilities for a full, 8 hour daily work shift day. Cleaning procedures include: Raking out all bedding straw/shavings in barns Scrubbing perches, nestboxes, feed & water pallets Scrubbing walls & gates Cobweb dusting barns Cleaning nursery/rabbit barn walls and flooring Spreading old bedding on pastures Assisting with farm maintenance as needed Gardening Building Animal care Helping with guests Art project Qualifications: Reliable and dependable Ability to work well independently Able to work in all weather conditions Able to perform strenuous physical labor and lifting Ability to complete all barn cleaning schedules as assigned Team player; able to work well with a variety of people Previous farm or work experience at animal care facility helpful Farm equipment knowledge & ability to drive tractors helpful