Job Summary:  

The Animal Caretaker is responsible for the domesticated animals on a private estate. As directed by the Manager, Land Operations, the Animal 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
• Maintenance of grounds in and around farm
• Assist with veterinary care, administering medication.
• Performs related duties as assigned

JOB SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 concisely, both written and verbal.  Able to communicate insights and understanding of issues or problems in a skillful way.  Communicates important information to coworkers, supervisors, and managers.  
• Trustworthiness and integrity, always acting in the best interests of the owner
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Critical Thinking:  Asks the right questions to obtain the information needed to size up a situation properly.  Anticipates and responds to problems quickly.  Finds ways to get projects accomplished efficiently.  Positively impacts the team by managing time effectively.
• Dependable
• Attention to detail:  The ability to listen to, and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Takes initiative
• Works well under time constraints
• Proactive:  Goes above and beyond what needs to be done.  Has the confidence to initiate action independently; addresses unexpected problems or opportunities without prompting
• 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.