Horse & Farm Animal Caretaker

Employment Status: Full-time (40 hrs. weekly) Location: Salem, Oregon
Number of Positions: 1
Schedule: THURSDAY-MONDAY / 8hrs a day/ 40hrs a week
Who We Are:
The Asher House is a registered non-profit sanctuary in Salem, Oregon. We rescue animals that have been discarded or unwanted, providing them with a life of comfort, love and adventure. For over two years, their Founder, Lee Asher, traveled across 49 states to promote dog adoption and spotlight various shelters and rescues. After his Pitbull Stella passed away, Lee was determined to fulfill his lifelong dream of creating a sanctuary, where animals could feel treasured, protected, and free. In late 2020, Lee discovered a large parcel of property which was the perfect setting to turn his vision into a reality! We are here to help people have better days and get animals adopted. The Asher House is on a mission to make the world a better place, one rescue animal at a time!
Job Summary:
The Horse and Farm Animal Caretaker is an essential part of our team. This position is perfect for the detail-oriented animal lover who wants to be part of a dynamic team! This position will assist with basic animal care for the equine and livestock living on the property. This includes feeding, watering, and handling. Cleans animal living areas: pens, stalls, shelters, and enclosures. Performs routine maintenance of farm, and barnyard areas. Additionally, this position will work closely with our horses, working with them on handling, grooming, and overall individual behavioral needs.
Role and Responsibilities:

• Provide daily care for all Farm Animals including:
  • Feeding, watering, grooming, and handling of all Farm Animals.
  • Cleaning up all in all animal areas, ensure animals have a clean and safe, enclosures throughout the day and keep areas well maintained and orderly.
• Ensure isolation areas are deeply cleaned and prepared for incoming animals prior to arrival when appropriate.
• Provide ongoing daily enrichment for the animals.
• Monitor animal health daily and report any changes or concerns that arise behaviorally or medically.
• Clean and maintain property grounds to ensure the ideal environment for the animals.
• Assist in any repairs or ground keeping as needed.
• Assist in booking veterinary appointments for Farm Animals as needed.
• Provide daily care for all Farm Animals including:
• Feeding, watering, and handling of all Farm Animals.
• Cleaning up all in all animal areas, ensure animals have a clean and safe, enclosures throughout the day and keep areas well maintained and orderly.
• Ensure isolation areas are deeply cleaned and prepared for incoming animals prior to arrival when appropriate.
• Provide ongoing daily enrichment for the animals.
• Monitor animal health daily and report any changes or concerns that arise behaviorally or medically.
• Clean and maintain property grounds to ensure the ideal environment for the animals.
• Assist in any repairs or ground keeping as needed.
• Provide daily care and enrichment for all sanctuary companion animals.
• Daily care includes:
• Feeding, watering, medicating, exercising, and providing daily enrichment
• Clean and sanitize animal housing areas.
• Monitor animal health for signs of illness, or unusual behavior.
• Make notation and report any problems regarding health and behavior of the animals to the appropriate staff to ensure the necessary medical appointments and follow ups are made. Including animals that may be isolated or quarantined.
• Prompt communication around animal supply levels/inventory and work with staff to ensure that the necessary amount and type of equipment/supplies are always organized and maintained on the premises.
• Assist in loading and unloading animal supplies at the sanctuary.
• Ensure animals are in secured areas of the sanctuary when visitors arrive at the property for the sake of safety for both animals and people.
• Act as a responsible and compassionate representative of The Asher House at all times.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years experience working with horses and other large animals such as working on a farm with livestock.
• Experience working with and training horses, experience working with draft horses desired but not required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Able to handle outdoor work and perform outside physical work in varying weather conditions.
• Willing and able to clean up and care for Farm Animals.
• Self-motivated individual who can learn to identify and complete tasks on their own or as directed.
• Ability to stand, crouch, bend and be on your feet for 8 hours a day.
• Analyze horse dispositions to anticipate any possible behavioral problems such as kicking, head tossing, dominance assertion or biting; and train accordingly to prevent future behavioral problems.
• Observe and maintain horse and Farm Animal nutrition, feeding habits and health which may be discussed with veterinary staff.
• Lift minimum of 75lbs.
• Must be 21 years or older and have a valid drivers license.
• Must have dependable transportation.
• Background check required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is normally performed outside in all weather conditions.
• Exposure to unpleasant odors and noises.
• Exposure to bites, scratches and animal waste.
• Possible exposure to contagious diseases.

Physical Requirements:

• Often requires lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Walking and/or standing for long periods.
• Frequently work in a bent position.
• May be required to use strength or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals.
• Must not have any allergies to farm or companion animals.

Salary:$20 an hour
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Paid Time Off, Holidays
The Asher House is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.