Animal Care Intern

Responsibilities

• Feeding residents in animal hospital and on the sanctuary grounds
• Monitoring wellness of animal hospital residents
• Cleaning cages, floors, and food and water bowls in hospital
• Assisting in daily enrichment activities
• Participating in animal health checks led by caregivers
• Washing scrubs, towels, and blankets used in the animal hospital
• Cleaning animal enclosures and giving fresh bedding for the animals
• Participating in larger grounds maintenance projects, such as repairing fences, painting, and raking

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout sanctuary grounds
• Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor and lifting (up to 50 lbs regularly; team-lift heavier amounts regularly)
• Must be able to bend, lift, push, stoop, stretch, climb, and crawl and other strenuous physical activities
• Must be able to regularly perform job responsibilities in a variety of weather conditions; almost all work is done in outdoor setting that is not climate-controlled

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or interested in a career in animal care
• Be able to work independently
• Efficient time management skills
• Detail-oriented and ability to maintain good communication
• Ability to maintain a positive and respectful attitude
• Animal Experience Is Preferred, But Not Required
• Alignment with Farm Sanctuary’s values of compassion, understanding, integrity, transformation, and freedom
• Familiarity, commitment to, and experience with the practice of equity and social justice, and the principles embedded in Farm Sanctuary’s mission

Program Perks

• Attend weekly Farm Sanctuary education workshops that include presentations, staff Q&As, documentary viewings, and hands-on learning opportunities
• Gain beneficial work experience in nonprofit employment, especially within vegan, animal rights, and sanctuary organizations
• Make strong professional connections and references
• Gain valuable insight about farmed animal care, rescue, and education

Specifications

• Terms of employment: Full-time
• Temporary, non-exempt position
• Reports to: Intern Coordinator, Animal Care
• Location: Watkins Glen, NY
• Pay: $16.00 per hour
• Accommodations: Communal housing on sanctuary premises provided and preferred, but not required. Each intern is provided with a shared bedroom and a shared bathroom. Companion animals are not permitted.
• Benefits: Eligibility to participate in Farm Sanctuary’s medical insurance plan starting the second month of the internship
• Additional Specifications: This position requires a commitment of three months (September 1 through November 28)
• Valid driver’s license preferred

Any Other Information

• This position requires a commitment of three months (September 1 through November 28)
• Valid driver’s license preferred
• Our Process: Stage 1 (July 20-25): 30-minute virtual HR screen
• Stage 2 (July 28-August 2): 30-minute video interview
• Stage 3 (August 5-August 9): Reference checks
• Stage 4 (By August 12): Job offer
• Farm Sanctuary is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and feel a sense of belonging
• We work hard to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type
• We take our duty seriously to protect employees with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws
• We believe that our prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion is a strength and essential to achieving our mission
• We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization, including hiring and recruitment practices, employee development and training, and interactions with the communities we serve
• We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are core components in fulfilling our mission of rescuing and protecting farmed animals from cruelty, and we are committed to creating a culture of respect, civility, and compassion for all