Intern, Animal Care

Job Description

The Animal Care team is responsible for providing daily medical care and enrichment to our rescued residents. Animal Care interns are crucial members of a dedicated team helping provide exceptional care to the non-human animals of Farm Sanctuary. An Animal Care intern’s responsibilities can range from supporting caregivers in daily health treatments and feedings, as well as assisting with barn cleaning and grounds maintenance. They also receive opportunities to learn about veterinary-based care practices and ethical sanctuary-based research. All of these responsibilities are critical to providing lifesaving care and creating an environment for our residents to thrive.

Responsibilities

• Feeding residents in animal hospital and on the sanctuary grounds
• Maintaining 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 as needed, 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.
• No companion animals are 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.

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

Accommodations

• Communal housing on sanctuary premises provided and preferred, but not required.
• Each intern is provided with a shared bedroom and a shared bathroom.
• No companion animals are 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.

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