Job Title:

Equine Lead Location:

Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary Reports To:

Executive Director Do you have a passion for horses and a deep commitment to animal welfare? Are you a strong leader who thrives in a hands-on environment where compassion, professionalism, and teamwork come together to change lives?

Position Overview:

Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary is seeking an experienced and dedicated Equine Lead to oversee the daily care, welfare, and enrichment of the horses in our care. This is a highly impactful role for someone who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of former research animals while helping shape a growing and respected animal welfare organization. The Equine Lead provides leadership and oversight for all equine operations at Kindness Ranch. This position ensures the highest standards of care, safety, and humane handling while managing a team of two Equine Caretakers.

Caretaker Responsibilities:

The Animal Caretaker - Equine is responsible for overseeing all aspects of horse care at Kindness Ranch, ensuring that the health, behavioral, dietary, and overall well-being of the horses meet the highest standards. This role includes managing inventory, budgeting, and coordinating with other departments to provide comprehensive care. The Animal Caretaker - Equine will work closely with rotating staff from farm animal caretakers or a designated full-time assistant within their department. Veterinary care coordination will be done in partnership with the Veterinary Care Manager and Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities:

1.

Horse Care Management:

○ Oversee all aspects of horse care, including daily feeding, watering, grooming, exercise, and environmental enrichment. ○ Monitor and evaluate horse behavior, implementing behavior modification plans as needed in line with fear-free and force-free handling practices. ○ Develop individualized care plans for each horse, taking into account their unique health, dietary, and behavioral needs. ○ Ensure all horses are housed in environments that promote physical and mental well-being. 2.

Health and Veterinary Coordination:

○ Monitor the health of all horses, identifying and addressing signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes. ○ Coordinate all veterinary care in collaboration with the Veterinary Care Manager and Executive Director. ○ Assist with recommended medical procedures and practices as needed and maintain accurate health records for each horse. 3.

Diet and Nutrition Management:

○ Develop and implement nutritional plans tailored to each horse's specific needs, ensuring they receive a balanced diet. ○ Monitor feed inventory and quality, adjusting diets as necessary based on health assessments or veterinary recommendations. 4. Inventory Tracking ○ Track inventory of feed, supplements, medications, and other horse care supplies, ensuring stock levels are maintained 5.

Training:

○ Cross-train rotating staff from the farm animal caretaker team or a designated full-time assistant within the department. ○ Ensure all staff are trained in fear-free and force-free handling techniques and adhere to Kindness Ranch's animal care standards. ○ Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment that supports staff development and high-quality animal care. 6.

Compliance and Standards:

○ Operate under a fear-free and force-free environment, exceeding USDA Animal Care requirements even if the department is not explicitly regulated. ○ Ensure compliance with all safety protocols, including safe handling and housing of horses.

Qualifications:

• 2-3 years of proven experience in horse care management, preferably in a leadership role at a sanctuary or rescue setting.
• Strong knowledge of equine health, behavior, and nutrition.
• Commitment to fear-free, force-free handling of animals.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, lead team with a compassionate and proactive approach to animal care.

Work Environment:

The Equine Lead will work primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions. The role requires physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for long periods, and handling horses of varying sizes and temperaments.

Pay:

$27,500.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Health insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person