Part-Time Animal Caregivers are responsible for assisting with providing appropriate food, housing, and care for our 60+ resident rescued farm animals. Caregivers work with other staff and volunteers to maintain a safe, healthy and nourishing environment for all resident animals and to provide the best sanctuary experience for animals, workers, volunteers and visitors.
The number one priority of this position is to provide the highest degree of quality humane animal care to all resident and rescued animals as set forth by the organization’s policies and procedures. Caregivers should have a personal passion for rescuing and protecting farm animals.
Primary Duties
- Rotating animal care morning and evening shifts to include food, water, and possibly medications for all resident farm animals and daily maintenance and cleanup of animals’ housing.
- Maintain up-to-date records of animals’ behavior and health.
- Report problems and/or concerns immediately to the Resident Caregiver or Farm Manager. Provide timely informed suggestions to solve problems as needed.
- Assist Resident Caregiver with routine weekly animal healthcare procedures which may include:
- hoof and nail trims; tusk trimming; vaccinations, parasite controls, medication and supplement preparation and administration
- Assist with vet visits on-site and off-site
- Keep farm and animal areas clean, clutter-free and presentable, maintaining a welcoming and accommodating farm space and atmosphere for animals, workers, volunteers and visitors
- Maintain clean, organized and clutter-free quarantine and office areas
- Assist with ordering and obtaining animal food, medications, supplements and supplies
- Assist with small farm infrastructure maintenance and building projects as able
- Be available to assist with animal care and represent the farm to the public on open farm days and at scheduled events
- Ensure a safe work environment; follow safety guidelines and model safe work practices
- Take immediate action to address and report any safety concerns
- Maintain safe animal, equipment, tools, and materials handling practices
- Wear proper masks at all times in the presence of other people
Job Specifications
- Part-time — hourly paid staff position. Some (not all) weekend and holiday shifts are required.
- Occasional travel may be required to assist with transport for animal rescues & vet visits
- Reports directly to the Farm Manager
- Will be expected to work with and guide volunteer animal care assistants through their assigned tasks
- Requirements:
- 10-12 hours/week
- Chore shift hours are consistent with natural animal feeding times throughout the year (to start as close to sunrise for morning chores and to finish by sunset for evening chores).
- Morning chores start no later than 8:00am
- Evening chores start 1.5-2 hours before sunset and animals should be shut in for the night as close to natural sundown (on good weather days) as possible.
- Birds and other vulnerable animals should never be allowed out after last light of the night, nor shut in early for the convenience of the caregivers.
General Qualifications
- 18 years or older
- Clean driver’s license
- GED, High School diploma or higher education
- Hands-on large animal care and/or animal experience preferred
- Able to follow detailed instructions and work well with others
- Able to assist a 150lb animal to standing and lift and carry 20lb hay bales and 50lb bags of feed with or without accommodation
- Must have proven ability to remain calm and make quick common-sense decisions under sometimes very stressful conditions
- Commitment to Graze in Peace animal care policies and procedures as discussed in weekly animal care meetings. Policies and procedures are subject to change as needed for the betterment of the animals.
- Commitment to Graze in Peace’s mission, educational programs and goals
If you are interested in this position and meet ALL requirements, please fill out the form below. If you are interested and don’t meet the requirements at this time, we invite you to fill out our volunteer application. Being a volunteer animal care assistant is a great way to get your foot in the door for future animal care staff openings.