Job Summary:  

The Animal Caretaker is responsible for the domesticated animals on the Children’s Farm at Ko’olau Ranch. As directed by the Manager, Land Operations, the Caretaker will perform all aspects of care for the Farm, including but not limited to feeding, watering, grooming and cleaning the animals, maintaining the Farm area in a clean and sanitary condition, coordinating veterinary treatments and other animal services as needed, and working with the Owners and/or their guests during visits to the Farm. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

• Feeding, watering and general care of the animals (50%)
• Cleaning, organization and sanitation of the Farm area and facilities (30%)
• Facilitating Owner/guest visits to the Farm (10%)
• Coordinating veterinarian services and/or outside vendors (5%)
• Managing supply inventories and communicating purchase needs to Supervisor (5%)

Responsibilities & Duties

• Feeds and waters animals according to feeding instructions and established schedules
• Cleans and organizes animals living areas such as stables, pens, cages, and yards
• Cleans and disinfects animal equipment
• Observes animals to identify signs of injury, illness, or disease
• Provides general treatment for animals, contacts veterinarian for more advance treatment
• Grooms animals, which includes washing, brushing, trimming coats, cutting nails, and cleaning ears; coordinates 3rd-party grooming services (i.e. semiannual shearing, farrier services)
• Maintains records of information such as weight, physical condition, diet, feeding schedule, and medications given
• Provides enrichment to animals daily to maintain their health and well-being
• Unloads and stores feed and supplies
• Answers general questions about the animals such as behavior and habitat, facilitates Owner/guest visits to the Farm (i.e. teaching children proper handling techniques)
• Takes phone calls and schedules appointments
• Oversees the ordering of supplies needed for operation; makes recommendations to the Supervisor
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers
• Provides first aid to wounded animals
• Administers vaccinations and medications to animals, as directed by the Veterinarian
• Physical demands – Work in all weather elements, lift 50 lbs and heavier items with assistance. Do repetitive physical work such as raking and shoveling, scrubbing, etc. Walk briskly or run if needed.
• Maintenance of grounds in and around zoo
• Assist with veterinary care, administering medication.
• Performs related duties as assigned

JOB SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with animals required
• Ability to work with animals and to remain calm in strenuous circumstances.
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Must be able to work independently, make common sense decisions in potentially critical situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to work outdoors, with frequent exposure to extreme hot temperatures, wet/rainy, windy conditions for one hour plus.
• Physical abilities include lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs. multiple times per shift, pushing, pulling, stooping/crouching, reaching/handling, balancing, sitting, standing, walking, climbing off and on equipment, squatting/kneeling, grasping.

COMPETENCIES

Communication
Communicates clearly and effectively in both verbal and written formats; shares relevant information in a timely and appropriate manner.

Integrity & Trustworthiness
Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and consistently acts in the best interest of the homeowner.

Teamwork
Works effectively both independently and collaboratively; contributes to a positive and cooperative team environment.

Critical Thinking
Assesses situations thoughtfully, anticipates needs, and resolves issues in an efficient and practical manner.

Attention to Detail
Maintains a high level of accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks and responsibilities.

Initiative & Proactiveness
Takes ownership of responsibilities, acts without prompting, and consistently exceeds expectations.

Adaptability
Remains flexible and composed in a fast-paced environment; adjusts effectively to changing priorities and demands.

Job Summary

The Ranch Hand I is a ranch labor position responsible for assisting with daily livestock care and ranch maintenance.  This position provides support for feeding, watering, facility upkeep, and basic ranch tasks while developing foundational skills in livestock handling, equipment use, and safe work practices.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with feeding and watering livestock according to schedules
• Help move, sort, and handle cattle and other livestock under supervision
• Clean corrals, barns, pens, and livestock areas
• Observe livestock and report signs of illness or injury
• Assist with fence repair and general ranch upkeep
• Load and unload feed, hay, and supplies
• Maintain water troughs and other bask ranch facilities
• Keep work areas clean and organized
• Operate ranch vehicles (UTVS, trucks)
• Assist with equipment setup, cleanup, and basic maintenance
• Follow supervisor instructions and safety protocols
• Participate in training and skill development 
• Perform related duties as assigned

Skills & Qualifications

• Prior ranch experience preferred but not required
• Interest in agriculture preferred
• Ability to follow direction and learn quickly
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• Bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, squatting
• Pushing, pulling, lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working outdoors with or without wet, dusty or windy weather conditions
• Strong physical stamina and the ability to perform strenuous tasks

Competencies

• Trustworthiness and Integrity: Always acting in the best interest of the owner 
• Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both written and verbal, to relate insights and understanding of issues or problems in a skillful way to supervisors, colleagues, external parties and owners; understanding of the necessity and protocol to pass on important information 
• Team Player: Connects with coworkers, leaders, and external vendors in an effective manner; considers how his/her actions affect other groups or team members; models a spirit of cooperation with other members of the work group; works effectively and cooperatively across groups; understands the need for and requirements of the chain of command 
• Flexibility: Ability to work both independently and in a team setting; willingness to work in a wide range of roles, as needed; willingness to assist other departments, as needed 
• Critical Thinking: Asks the right questions to obtain the information needed to assess situations properly; anticipates and responds quickly to problems; finds ways to get projects accomplished efficiently; positively impacts the team by managing time effectively 
• Attention to Detail: Ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented; ability to execute projects and tasks with excellence 
• Proactive: Goes above and beyond what needs to be done; has the confidence to initiate action independently and address unexpected problems or opportunities without prompting 
• Discretion: Understanding of the nature of private family service and the need for absolute privacy and confidentiality