Animal Caretaker
Description
SUMMARY:
The Gentle Barn is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing animals and helping both animals and people heal. Through innovative programs like Cow Hug Therapy®, Equine Therapy, and educational experiences, we create meaningful connections that inspire hope, compassion, and transformation. We are a mission-driven, fast-paced, and deeply collaborative team committed to making a real impact every day. At The Gentle Barn, you’ll be part of a purpose-filled environment where your work directly contributes to changing lives, both human and animal.
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Animal Caretaker to join our team. This full-time role involves caring for pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, horses, and cows who call the sanctuary home. It’s a highly sought-after and deeply meaningful position, ideal for someone who not only loves working with animals but also thrives as part of a collaborative, like-minded team committed to providing exceptional care and kindness every day. This is a full-time, onsite position.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure animals are properly fed, and provided fresh water and a clean living environment (fresh hay, straw, shavings, and mucking out stalls)
- Monitor the health and well-being of animals, including weight, veterinary care, medications, and bandages
- Prepare and provide fresh, organic produce for the animals daily
- Provide specialty care to animals with additional needs
- Oversee daily medications including the storage, stocking, and distribution of such medications
- Maintain cleanliness throughout the entire facility through dusting, pressure washing, and wiping down of equipment on a regular basis
- Utilize the gator to pick up and clean poop throughout the animals' pastures and paddocks
- Perform routine property maintenance and special projects as they arise, such as landscaping, painting, building, or other repairs
- Keep tools and other equipment organized and in good working order
- Miscellaneous maintenance tasks as needed or requested
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Must have horse experience (grooming, haltering, walking)
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Comfortable being around large animals
- Punctual and reliable
- Highly trainable and eager to learn
- Available to work varying hours based on the needs of the business including weekends
- Be a gentle and kind person who cares deeply for animals
- Prior experience training and caring for various animals is a plus
- Animal medical knowledge a plus
- Experience pulling trailers a plus
- Prior landscaping, contracting, building, and maintenance experience a plus
- Vegan or Vegetarian lifestyle a plus
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and uneven terrain
- Lift, carry, and move heavy items such as feed bags, hay bales, water buckets, and equipment (often 50+ lbs)
- Walk, stand, bend, kneel, and squat for extended periods throughout the day
- Safely handle and work around large animals, including restraining, guiding, and assisting with movement when needed
- Clean and maintain enclosures, barns, and pastures, including shoveling, raking, and hauling waste
- Operate basic farm tools and equipment to support daily animal care and facility upkeep
PERKS & BENEFITS:
- Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement plan, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid time off, including vacation days, personal days, sick leave, and paid company holidays
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Supportive, mission-driven culture focused on compassion, collaboration, and well-being