Selah’s Pig Sanctuary offers a unique hands-on internship experience for individuals passionate about animal welfare, sustainability, and compassionate coexistence. Located on Hawaii’s Big Island, this immersive work-trade position invites interns to live on-site and contribute 20 hours per week to sanctuary operations in exchange for housing.
Interns gain practical experience in animal care, enrichment, and sanctuary management while supporting a growing nonprofit that blends animal welfare, education, and community engagement.
Core Responsibilities
- Assist with feeding, watering, health checks, and daily care routines.
- Help clean and maintain pig enclosures, bedding, and shelter areas; assist with fencing, landscaping, and composting.
- Design and implement enrichment activities and positive human–animal interactions.
- Support basic safety and disaster readiness procedures.
- Participate in outreach, tours, and volunteer activities that reflect the sanctuary’s values.
Ideal Candidate
- Passionate about animal welfare and sustainable living
- Prior experience with animal care (farm, veterinary, or sanctuary experience preferred but not required)
- Comfortable with hands-on, outdoor work in a rural environment
- Strong work ethic, self-motivated, and reliable
- Open-minded, compassionate, and eager to learn
Program Details
- Commitment: Minimum 3-6 months preferred
- Hours: ~20 hours per week (flexible schedule)
- Compensation: On-site housing provided (private or shared, depending on availability)
- Learning Outcomes: Gain skills in animal husbandry, sanctuary operations, nonprofit management, and sustainable systems thinking
- Start Date: Rolling basis
Learn more about our mission at www.selahspigsanctuary.com.
Benefits
Interns gain practical, resume-building experience in animal husbandry, nonprofit operations, and sustainable land management—skills transferable to careers in conservation, animal welfare, and environmental education.
Additional perks include:
- Immersive experience in Hawaiʻi’s ecology and culture
- Training in sanctuary management, rescue protocols, and enrichment design
- Networking opportunities with animal welfare and sustainability professionals
- Access to volunteer projects, workshops, and community events
- A supportive, inclusive environment that values curiosity, empathy, and initiative
This role is ideal for individuals seeking hands-on learning, adventure, and purpose-driven living.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $1.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- Do you have any prior experience work trading for shared or private accomodations?
- Do you have any experience with or exposure to animal sanctuaries? What does sanctuary mean to you?
- Please describe your past work or volunteer experience you are relevant to this position.
- What types of animals do you have direct experience with? Please describe.
- What interests you most about this opportunity? What are you hoping to gain from this experience?
- What is the earliest date you would be available to potentially join our sanctuary? How long are you looking to commit?
- Do you have a valid drivers license?
Work Location: In person
