About Oscar's Place
Oscar's Place Adoption Center & Sanctuary is a GFAS-accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit donkey rescue headquartered in Hopland, California, with a new Texas location opening in Collinsville in fall 2026. We rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome donkeys from across the United States. Our Texas facility will be the first dedicated donkey hospital in the country.
About This Role
This is the first hire at our Texas location and one of the most important roles in the organization right now. You will be the boots-on-the-ground support for our Head of Texas Operations as we receive our first rescues beginning September 2026. You will work directly alongside our Head of Animals and Head of Texas Operations.
This role requires someone who is genuinely comfortable in two modes: skilled veterinary assistant when animals need medical attention, and willing ranch hand when things are quiet and the work is physical. As we ramp up our donkey population through 2026 and into 2027, the balance will shift. Right now it is both, and you need to be good at both and okay with both.
What You Will Do
Veterinary Support
- Assist with all medical procedures including intake assessments, wound care, injections, and treatments
- Set up, assist, break down, clean, and reset between patients
- Monitor patients post-procedure and report observations to the veterinary team
- Contribute to medical records, manage inventory, and equipment in proper working order
- Support triage and emergency response when a veterinarian is not immediately on-site
Ranch Operations
- Assist with daily feeding, watering, and general donkey care. Including stall cleaning and manure management.
- Monitor herd health and behavior, reporting anything of concern
- Maintain pastures, fencing, and facilities as needed
- Support incoming rescue intake, quarantine protocols, and animal transitions
- Pitch in wherever the day requires — this is a startup operation and the work is not always defined in advance
What We Are Looking For
- Comfort and experience with large animals, particularly equines or donkeys
- Physically capable of the demands of ranch work in a Texas climate
- Calm, steady, and reliable under pressure — donkey rescues are not predictable
- A genuine love for animals and alignment with our mission
- Willingness to flex between clinical and ranch duties without ego about which is which
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently when needed
The Team You Are Joining
For the first rescue wave (September, November, December 2026), you will work alongside Head of Texas Operations and Head of Animals, who will travel to Texas as needed. You are not alone, but you need to be capable of holding things together when the vet is not physically on-site, who will be available remotely and will provide protocols and support. This role grows with the organization.
Location
Collinsville, TX . On-site role.
Compensation
Pay to be determined based on experience and qualifications. We are committed to compensating this role fairly and will discuss specifics with qualified candidates.
To Apply
Send a resume and a brief note about your experience to [email protected]. Tell us what drew you to this role specifically. We read every application.
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
