Job Summary
Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS) is seeking a Health Care Lead who wants to use their skills and passion to advance farmed animal protection. The Health Care Lead is responsible for assisting the Health Care Manager in providing for the physical and emotional well-being of 10 species of farmed animals who call CAS home.
The Health Care Lead must have a passion for our mission, be committed to veganism, experienced in the care of farmed animals and horses, physically able to perform strenuous health care duties, be highly organized, be able to train and support junior-level staff, and respond to unexpected day-to-day demands. Equally important, as a representative of CAS, the Health Care Lead must always lead with love, acting in a kind and professional manner at all times with colleagues, volunteers, and the public. The Health Care Lead reports to the Health Care Manager, and must have the knowledge to assume the basic functions of the Health Care Manager when they are not on site.
Responsibilities/Duties
HEALTH MAINTENANCE
- Complete daily feed runs as needed
- Administer daily medications as indicated by the weekly med sheet & database
- Performs medical treatments and care as indicated by the weekly med sheet
- Performs regular health checks on each animal
- Identify potential health concerns, communicate assessments, and consult with the Health Care Manager and/or a veterinarian about treatment plans
- Perform deworming, fecal parasite counts, supportive care for critical animals, enrichment training and other tasks as determined with the Health Care Manager
- Assess calls from staff to determine the appropriate level of support and provide guidance to caregivers as needed
- In emergencies when the Health Care Manager is not on site, contact a vet and perform basic supportive care as needed until the vet arrives
- Assist with farm calls, vet visits, farrier visits, and transporting animals off site when necessary
- Assist the Health Care Manager with the diagnosis and treatment plan design for individual animals
ADMINISTRATION AND RECORD KEEPING (AS INDICATED BY THE HEALTH CARE MANAGER)
- Assist with maintaining the CAS Animal Database
- Update the weekly med sheet
- Takes inventory and places orders on supplements, medications, and medical supplies using cost-effective measures
- Participate in staff and management meetings as needed
Qualifications
- Extensive hands-on farmed animal experience required
- Degree in relevant fields: animal science, biology, zoology, etc.
- Knowledge of farmed animal health and anatomy, including experience conducting routine health checks and administering medications and treatment
- Experience recognizing signs of illness, injury, and distress in farmed animals and providing appropriate treatment and supportive care
- Demonstrated capacity to excel as part of a team
- Outstanding organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in fast-paced work environment
- Excellent time management
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Comfort with spreadsheets and database management
- Valid driver’s license with clean driving record required
Work Environment
- Required to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including (but not limited to); rain, snow, extreme heat or cold, inclement weather, etc.
- This is a position that requires direct hands-on care for all sanctuary residents
- Must be able to lift, carry, push or pull up to 75 lbs