EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Are you a wildlife loving, hard worker who’s always dreamed of living in nature?

The Unexpected Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey’s unexpected loss might be your incredible gain.

In case you don’t know the story, the history of the Refuge begins with a love of wildlife. in 1961, Cavit and Hope Buyukmihci, with their three children, purchased an 85-acre tract in Buena Vista Township, located in the Pinelands, halfway between Philadelphia and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mostly wooded swampland, the purchase included a cabin and an old barn on an acre of cleared land, and a stream which beavers had dammed to create a large pond. The Buyukmihcis were distressed by the increase in land development, reducing the habitat available for wildlife in Southern New Jersey. Since childhood, Hope had enjoyed the delightful wonder of bluebirds nesting in the spring, and it was vital that she passed along her respect and love for nature to her family. The couple decided to dedicate their land to habitat preservation so that native wildlife and habitat could thrive.

For years and years the refuge was run by the unflappable Sarah Summerville, and when a replacement was needed they scoured the boundaries and thought they’d found the answer. But she has to leave and the a new search goes on. I was asked this morning to pass on the invitation to apply for the job of a lifetime.

Unexpected Wildlife Refuge is seeking a residential onsite manager. This is a rewarding and challenging position for a responsible and self-motivated individual who is interested in nature and wildlife and maintaining land as protected natural habitat. Preference will be for a person who is at least a vegetarian and who has practical experience with wildlife or academic training so that they are knowledgeable about wildlife in general. We will also consider someone without this experience, but who is motivated enough to learn about indigenous species so that they can be an asset to the Refuge’s education and outreach efforts. The manager lives onsite in provided, free accommodations, including utilities.

If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, please send the following by E-mail only, to Nedim Buyukmihci, president, ned.trustee@unexpectedwildliferefuge.org:

1. Letter explaining why you would be the ideal candidate;
2. an expanded resume; and
3. full contact information for at least three people who can critically vouch for your commitment to wildlife or non-human animals in general, abilities, reliability and honesty (at least one of the people should be your most recent or current employer, none can be a relative and your relationship with each should be made clear).

This link will explain what you need to know about the position. It requires a fairly unique combination of skills including advocacy, outreach and refuge maintenance. What a great place for a budding novelist, painter, young couple to awaken their muses  while making such a difference in a place where such a difference is needed

Here’s former cartaker Sarah showing off the resident beaver lodge.