Horse Haven Intern

Best Friends Animal Society•Kanab, UT

2d•$16•Onsite

About The Position

The Horse Haven intern will learn about all aspects of Horse Haven daily operations, obtain hands-on experience working with various types of equines, pigs, and goats, and gain knowledge about Best Friends and the no-kill movement. Interns will shadow the medical team to gain further knowledge of conditions our species may be afflicted with and shadow the farrier to learn about our species’ hoof care. Interns will work independently and alongside trainers and caregivers on a project animal (species to be determined). Interns are valued team members and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill mission and organizational success. The Horse Haven Intern reports to Kristie Gerard, Horse Haven Supervisor, and will receive regular supervision and feedback. The minimum time commitment for the Horse Haven Internship is 40 hours per week at $16.00 per hour for 13 weeks. This is an on-site internship at the Best Friends Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Interns must arrange for their own housing and transportation. Intern orientation includes a tour of the Sanctuary, Horse Haven, Piggy Paradise, and goat barn, an overview of rules, safety protocols, and daily schedule. Interns will have the opportunity to meet with Best Friends founders and leaders, learn about and shadow staff in other departments, and attend presentations on various animal welfare topics.

Requirements

Genuine interest in working with horses, pigs, and goats.
Must have held a valid driver's license for at least three years, possess a clean driving record, and pass a motor vehicle record check and on-site driving test in order to operate the vehicles in and around Horse Haven.
Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback, and a commitment to learning and improvement.
Commitment to communication, cooperation, and collaboration.
Active listening skills and confidence to ask questions if needed.
Must be able to: Routinely lift and carry up to 75 pounds and perform daily strenuous and/or repetitive activities including sweeping, mopping, bending, stooping, lifting, reaching, walking, and working at computers (typing, hand motions).
Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
Must be comfortable with: Potential contact with hay, dust and other allergens. Potential exposure to zoonotic disease. Interaction with animals that have significant behavioral and/or medical issues. Potential exposure to animal injury, illness, and/or death.
Must have reliable transportation to get to, from, and around the Sanctuary. There is no public transportation in Kanab.
Best Friends employees may only hold one compensated position at any time. Current employees are not allowed to hold another position and this internship position at the same time. If a current employee would like to apply for this internship, the employee would be required to resign from their primary position, with no guarantee of re-employment, if the employee wanted to accept this position.
Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.

Responsibilities

Work within a team setting to assist with the daily care of horses, pigs, and goats.
Assist in providing basic and routine care for animals which includes feeding, watering, and light grooming.
Assist in providing enrichment and socialization to the animals as outlined by the Intern Supervisor or Trainer.
Assist in supporting the animals’ medical needs when appropriate and in alignment with intern’s interests and goals.
Clean work areas and preserve the physical appearance of horse, pig, and goat buildings and grounds: scooping, mucking sweeping, mopping, trash removal, etc.
Follow all safety and quarantine protocols outlined by department leadership.
Be a Sanctuary ambassador, representing Best Friends’ work to visitors and volunteers, and speaking to the Sanctuary’s special role in Best Friends’ no-kill mission.
Work alongside and support volunteers, workshop attendees, and other types of visitors.
Greet and conduct tours, speak about specific animals, horse/pig/goat welfare issues, the work of Horse Haven and the Sanctuary, and answer questions.
Interns may be asked to represent Horse Haven at various community events.
Attend and participate in various learning, networking, and socialization opportunities with other interns, Best Friends staff members and founders.