Animal Care Assistant

  • Vernon
  • Okeefe Ranch

Department: Maintenance, Grounds & Animal Care - O’Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society

Reporting to: Animal Caretaker

Shift: 35 hours per week with schedule to be determined

Wage: $18.00 per hour

Summary : Working with the Animal Caretaker, the Animal Care Assistant is responsible for the general wellbeing of all farm animals. Tasks include feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise animals as well as clean and maintain their indoor and outdoor areas. Facilitate public interaction with the animals, explaining breed and care information and answering questions.

Main Responsibilities :

  • Learn about the different farm animals onsite and their various care requirements
  • Learn about heritage breeds including the care of, Zebu, Shetland sheep, Jacob sheep, and many heritage birds
  • Perform daily animal care routines such as feeding, watering, grooming and handling
  • Present information about the animals, their breed, purpose and care to the visiting public and to school groups for educational purposes
  • Facilitate public interaction with the animals ensuring the safety of both people and animals
  • Clean stables, barns, barnyards and pens
  • Maintain logs of animal care and health, monitoring changes, and assisting with onsite remedy and medicinal needs where possible
  • Research breeding program requirements and registration of breeding stock, and assist with the breeding program as scheduled
  • May be asked to assist with monitoring animals close to giving birth and through the birthing process

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities :

  • Experience and/or interest in animal care, specifically large or farm animals
  • Excellent judgment and interpersonal skills with co-workers and the general public

Considered an asset but not required :

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience working on a farm or ranch
  • Occupational First Aid

Working Conditions : Job Types : Full-time, Temporary, Contract Contract length: 8 weeks

Pay: $18.00-$22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift

Application question(s): Work Location: In person