Animal Caretaker

Gentle Barn Foundation • Christiana, TN

2d • $16 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

The Gentle Barn is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing animals and helping people heal through programs such as Cow Hug Therapy®, Equine Therapy, and educational experiences. The organization describes its team as mission-driven, fast-paced, and collaborative.

The Animal Caretaker is a full-time, onsite role caring for pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, horses, and cows at the sanctuary. The position involves daily animal care, monitoring animals’ health, maintaining clean enclosures and facilities, and performing property maintenance. It is suited to someone compassionate toward animals who works well as part of a collaborative team.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Horse experience, including grooming, haltering, and walking.
• Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Comfort working around large animals.
• Punctuality and reliability.
• Ability and eagerness to learn.
• Availability to work varying hours based on business needs, including weekends.
• Gentle and kind disposition and deep care for animals.
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in heat, cold, rain, and on uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move heavy items such as feed bags, hay bales, water buckets, and equipment, often weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, kneel, and squat for extended periods.
• Ability to safely handle and work around large animals, including restraining, guiding, and assisting with movement when needed.
• Ability to clean and maintain enclosures, barns, and pastures, including shoveling, raking, and hauling waste.
• Ability to operate basic farm tools and equipment for animal care and facility upkeep.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience training and caring for various animals.
• Animal medical knowledge.
• Experience pulling trailers.
• Prior landscaping, contracting, building, or maintenance experience.
• Vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.

Responsibilities

• Feed animals, provide fresh water, and maintain clean living environments, including refreshing bedding and mucking out stalls.
• Monitor animals’ health and well-being, including weight, veterinary care, medications, and bandages.
• Prepare and provide fresh, organic produce for animals daily.
• Provide specialty care to animals with additional needs.
• Oversee daily medications, including their storage, stocking, and distribution.
• Maintain facility cleanliness through dusting, pressure washing, and wiping down equipment.
• Use the gator to pick up and clean poop in animal pastures and paddocks.
• Perform routine property maintenance and special projects, such as landscaping, painting, building, and repairs.
• Keep tools and equipment organized and in good working order.
• Perform miscellaneous maintenance tasks as needed or requested.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid time off, including vacation days, personal days, and sick leave.
• Paid company holidays.
• Hands-on learning opportunities.
• Supportive, mission-driven culture focused on compassion, collaboration, and well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED