Part-Time Sanctuary Animal Caretaker

American Humane•Palm City, FL

4d•$20 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

American Humane Society (AHS) is seeking a part-time, independent contractor to serve as an Animal Caretaker (Caretaker) at its Sanctuary. This position will be based on-site at the AHS Sanctuary in Palm City, FL and reports directly to the Director, Sanctuary & Military Affairs Programming. For nearly 150 years, American Humane Society (AHS) has led the way in protecting animals and strengthening the bonds between animals and people. We respond first when animals need rescue, shelter, or protection. Through our groundbreaking programs – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” certification in Hollywood to our farm and conservation welfare standards – we set the highest level of care and compassion in animal protection. Working with AHS means being part of something bigger. With offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Palm Beach, we provide a supportive, professional environment where your work makes a real difference in animals’ lives. American Humane Society is committed to fostering a welcoming workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage high-performing applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent experience required.
General knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and care is important, equine experience required, bird care and dog kennel experience desired.
Proven knowledge and experience to safely implement and carry out care-related animal husbandry best practices for all species of animals residing at the Sanctuary.
Skills assessing animals such as whether they are alert and responsive or not acting normally as well as taking their temperature, pulse, and respiration rate.
Ability to administer medications via mouth and/or injection, eye and nasal medications, clean wounds, and change bandages.
Ability to check vital signs against previous assessments and report significant differences. Administer a cursory physical examination to assess general health including the condition of the animal’s teeth.
Basic maintenance skills and ability to troubleshoot property issues before they become major problems.
Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful or emergency situations.
Effectively prioritize workload and need.
Ability to effectively work with a variety of people in different situations.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Always maintain professional demeanor.
Handle confidential information with a high level of discretion.
Use sound judgement; able to problem-solve quickly and independently.
Ability to collaborate effectively and work as part of a team.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, in particular Outlook for email and scheduling, and Excel for record keeping.
Ability to learn new technology and enter and track information in a database.
Must have valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s level degree in animal science, biological sciences or other relevant degree, preferred.
Licensed Animal Care Technician or equivalent experience strongly desired but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide appropriate quantity and quality of food and water to animals daily.
Ensure animals are properly groomed, bathed, exercised, and provided with enrichment as appropriate.
Monitor animals, noting any eating, drinking, health, behavior or temperament changes and report concerns to the Sanctuary Director to discuss any issues.
Follow all veterinary care instructions and recommendations.
Ensure stress and disease risk are minimized by following best husbandry practices on housing and caring for animals.
Follow established disease control protocols to extensively clean, disinfect and maintain kennels, cages, stalls, and other areas of the Sanctuary.
Administer basic first aid to any animal’s minor wounds as needed following the guidance of onsite Horse Care SOP’s, Birds Care SOP’s and Kennel Protocols.
Maintain detailed records on the daily husbandry and medical care of each animal.
Regularly walk the property and keep an eye on things to ensure any issues are addressed or taken care of in a timely manner.
Perform basic, routine maintenance work, which could include things like clearing brush, mending fences, shoveling manure, etc.
Keep leadership apprised of work being done on site, flagging any issues or communicating decisions that need to be made, particularly about things that may have short- or long-term impact on animal health and welfare.
Ensure the facility remains stocked with all necessary inventory, informing management of any low supplies.
Ensure a safe work environment, follow safety guidelines and model safe work practices; take immediate action to remedy or address any safety issues.
Ensure the Sanctuary facility meets American Humane Certified Animal Welfare Standards, as they pertain to species residing permanently or temporarily at the property.