A Veterinary Assistant assists with animals under veterinary care or in laboratories. Feeds animals, cleans cages, and administers medical treatment under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. Works in a veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or laboratory.
The Merrymac Farm Sanctuary is a recognized Sanctuary by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries organization which makes us one of 198 sanctuaries in the world to have GFAS standards of care and commitment to our mission. We are located in Charlotte, VT. MMFS is a growing and ever-evolving sanctuary that is home to over 100 plus rescued animal residents - horses, cows, donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and rabbits. We are seeking ONLY experienced animal caregivers at this time. We have a great team, and we would like to add one member to our crew. You must love hands-on animal work, and strongly believe in our mission. 1/2 to Full Time Available Weekend and holiday work will be required
Job Overview:
Animal Care Specialists provide the fundamental care required to ensure our animals' needs are met. This includes working to complete feeding, watering, health checks, medical care, barn cleaning, animal records documentation, and all tasks necessary to keeping the animals happy and healthy. A successful candidate enjoys working outdoors, is positive and fun, and has a personal commitment to improving the lives of sanctuary animals. This position is fast-paced, primarily outdoors and physically challenging. Successful candidates will be accustomed to and thrive in such a work environment.
Daily animal care tasks include:
Opens and close coops and barns according to weather Feed, water, and administer daily medication Complete daily horse turn out and turn in Complete daily cleaning schedule of coops, stalls, and barns Provide basic medical treatments as required, such as wound cleaning, eye ointment, etc. Work with staff and volunteers Regularly complete animal health checks and performs proper animal handling techniques. Document and share animal observations with staff and leadership Participates in administrative tasks including: Accurate and up-to-date data entry and record-keeping of animal health, daily maintenance, and facility needs Participating in staff and management meetings as needed Respond timely and professionally to emails and other communications Other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged positions of standing and walking throughout sanctuary grounds Ability to perform necessary duties in enclosed & open environments in all weather conditions through the year Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor and lift 50-75 lbs on a regular basis
Qualifications:
3 Plus years professional work in a related field Strong commitment to the mission of the organization Keen observation skills of animal behavior Reliable and dependable with timeliness and attendance Ability to adapt to constantly changing situations Desire to be part of a team dedicated to continuous improvement Emotional maturity and ability to work well with a positive tone with a variety of people Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in fast-paced work environment Excellent time management and communication skills Vet Tech Skills Willingness to work weekends and holidays Must have or be working towards a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle Valid driver's license with clean driving record required Experience with farmed animals or horses preferred
