Animal Caretaker

Job Description

Job Description

Job Overview of Animal Caretaker 

The Animal Caretaker is a member of the Facilities team who oversees the daily care and enrichment of the animals while maintaining the grounds of the ANDRUS Therapeutic Farm.

The Animal Caretaker must also complete other tasks and responsibilities not covered specifically herein when necessary.

Work Schedule of Animal Caretaker: Wednesday-Saturday from 7:00am until 6:00pm (changing to 8:00am until 7:00pm when daylight savings time goes into effect) 40 hour work week

Essential Duties of Animal Caretaker 

Key duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Observe and document general animal health and behavior while on shift. Maintain proper records of health, medications, behavior, enrichment, training, welfare and visitor engagement in electronic records and hard copies when necessary
• Completes visual assessments of animals, work areas and grounds to ensure proper standards are maintained. This includes reporting on safety hazards and medical concerns.
• Maintains animal barns by cleaning daily, deep cleanings, organizing food storage and inventory and perform additional duties as required.
• Participates in landscaping improvements, including mowing, grading, planting, pruning, weed control, addition of special designs for animal enrichment to ensure healthy and attractive appearance of grounds. 
• During inclement weather respond to emergencies to ensure grounds are safe for animals, plow and salt walkways for safety.
• Participates in activities and programs with youth.
• Participates in veterinary visits and ensures accurate record keeping.
• Presents for emergencies that pertain to the Animals and the Farm
• Perform routine and emergency maintenance repairs to ensure animal barns, walkways, fencing are all in compliance and safe.
• Participates in animal training and enrichment discussions. Completes trainings when necessary while working collaboratively with the Team to execute enrichment of the space and Animals day to day. 
• Supports overall strategic plan of the organization.
• Ability to adhere to our organization’s core values and commitments.

Essential Qualifications of Animal Caretaker

Key qualifications include:  

• High School Diploma or equivalent with two to three years of relevant experience working with animals a must, farm animals a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in grounds keeping, animal care, and related service settings.
• Experience with landscaping tools and equipment a plus.
• Valid NYS Driver's License in good standing
• Ability to access and utilize ADP app on smartphone or other device for access to agency programs

Benefits of Animal Caretaker 

• Generous PTO, 4 weeks of vacation, floating holidays, holidays, personal and sick time
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Benefits
• 401(k) Employer Contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Employer Paid STD, LTD and Life Insurance
• Professional Development

Physical/Travel Requirements 

• Reach
• Walk
• Climb Stairs
• Bend
• Kneel
• Ability to lift weights up to 50 lbs.

The employee must be able to meet these requirements with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts Andrus’ right to modify the duties/responsibilities of this job at any time, with or without advanced notice.

EEO Statement 

Andrus is an equal opportunity employer.