What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Caretaker position at Yesahcan Sanctuary?
ANIMAL CAREGIVER ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Animal Caregivers report directly to the Executive Director and ensure that all our residents receive the highest level of daily, individualized care and that our facility is cleaned and maintained in a way that respects and preserves the land and facilities.
- Daily Animal Care – ensuring animals get the highest quality care each shift, including:
o Feeding –follow all feeding schedules/plans; clean all feed bowls after each meal and prepare bowls with food for next meal
o Watering – ensure fresh water at all times – wash and clean troughs regularly/as needed
o Special Care & Medical Protocols – as directed by Executive Director
o Appointments – Assisting, if needed, with veterinary/farrier appointments, etc.
o Health Checks – doing overview health checked on animals daily (am/pm) and reporting any issues/concerns to Executive Director/filling out incident reports
o Enrichment – as discussed with Executive Director
- Daily Habitat Maintenance – keeping habitats clean, safe, and in good condition, including:
o Barn Cleaning – clean entire barns (strip or spot clean, depending on condition) with an eye to detail (sweeping/washing gates & half walls/clearing cobwebs, raking)
o Pasture/Habitat – waste removal from barns/shelters(daily) and pastures (regularly)
o Equipment/Tool Maintenance – keep equipment/tools in good working order; clean waste of shovels/rakes; keep vehicles clean (inside & out); report all damage
- Other Responsibilities – ensuring animals get the highest quality care each shift, including:
o Team Training – assisting, if needed, with training new staff/interns/volunteers
o Supplies – picking up shavings/grain deliveries as requested
o Records – assisting, if needed, with keeping detailed animal care records
o Animal Intake – setting up quarantine areas; assisting with intake; cleaning trailer
o Weekly Work Log – maintaining an accurate weekly time log, due each Monday
o Shared Spaces – help keep common spaces clean; clean well on assigned day(s)
o Self-Sufficiency/Team Building – problem solve when you can; help fellow caregivers
o Research – continue learning independently; keep up to date on all required reading
Qualifications
- Passionate about working with farmed animals and a commitment to Yesahcan Sanctuary’s mission.
- A minimum of one year experience working with animals, preferably with farmed animals
- Good listening and observation skills; reliable and punctual
- Able to work in the early morning and/or late evenings, weekends, holidays and varying shift times
- Strong communication with the ability to follow detailed instructions, process new information quickly and meet time sensitive demands
- Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (facility is in Lake City, Florida)
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and perform strenuous/manual labor
- Valid driver’s license and good driving record (subject to verification)
Hours/Days: 15-20 hours/week, days vary (weekends likely); schedule subject to change at any time
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Experience:
- Animal care: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Lake City, FL 32024 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18