Part-Time Animal Care Specialist

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma, General Educational Development credential, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required.
• Minimum of six months of coursework, training, or experience in animal science, agriculture, livestock management, veterinary assistance, or a related field preferred.
• Experience caring for, handling, or maintaining farm animals in a professional, educational, agricultural, or volunteer setting preferred.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Agency’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain required job-specific training or certifications as determined by the supervisor.
• Pre-employment background check required.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and follow an assigned schedule that may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Must be able to perform physical work associated with livestock care, farm tasks, and facility maintenance, with reasonable accommodation when needed.
• Must be able to work independently and collaboratively in a public farm environment.
• Must be able to operate approved Park District vehicles and farm-related equipment safely.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow applicable safety procedures, report hazards or incidents promptly, and support a safe environment for program participants, visitors, volunteers, and staff.
• Provide daily livestock care, including feeding, watering, handling, observing behavior, and monitoring general health and welfare.
• Maintain clean, safe, and sanitary animal areas, including pens, stalls, barns, bedding, feeders, waterers, and related workspaces.
• Order, receive, store, and monitor feed, supplements, bedding, and animal care supplies as directed.
• Complete assigned feeding schedules, including evening, weekend, and holiday coverage as needed.
• Identify signs of illness, injury, or unusual behavior; communicate concerns promptly; assist with veterinary care; and administer medications, vaccinations, or treatments as directed and within approved procedures.
• Assist with species-specific care, breeding support, pregnancy monitoring, newborn care, and related livestock management activities as assigned.
• Maintain accurate animal care records, including health observations, treatments, feed usage, breeding information, inventory, and other required documentation.
• Support safe animal handling practices and assist with training staff and volunteers in livestock handling, restraint, demonstrations, and animal care procedures.
• Assist with public programs, demonstrations, tours, and special events involving livestock or farm operations.
• Operate approved vehicles, trailers, tools, and farm-related equipment safely and in accordance with Park District procedures.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs related to animal areas, fencing, gates, water lines, feeders, sheds, and related farm facilities.
• Provide input for animal care manuals, written materials, supply inventories, and other documentation related to livestock operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Use basic computer applications, email, web-based programs, and Microsoft Office products as needed for scheduling, records, communication, and reporting.
• Safely operate approved Park District vehicles, trailers, hand tools, power tools, animal care equipment, and farm-related equipment required for the position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Knowledge of basic livestock care, feeding, handling, behavior, and animal welfare practices.
• Knowledge of common farm animal health concerns, biosecurity practices, sanitation procedures, and when to report concerns for veterinary review.
• Knowledge of safe work practices in a working farm environment, including hazards related to live animals, farm equipment, tools, uneven surfaces, and changing weather conditions.
• Basic knowledge of facility maintenance related to barns, pens, fencing, gates, feeders, waterers, and other livestock areas.

• Safely handle, restrain, feed, and care for a variety of farm animal species.
• Observe animal behavior and communicate concerns about illness, injury, stress, or unsafe conditions.
• Maintain accurate records, follow written procedures, and complete routine reports.
• Provide clear instruction, demonstrations, and guidance to staff, volunteers, and program participants.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with staff, volunteers, visitors, and program participants.

• Work safely around live animals, farm equipment, tools, and the public.
• Recognize animal behavior cues and respond appropriately to promote safe handling and animal welfare.
• Operate approved vehicles, trailers, tools, and farm-related equipment safely and responsibly.
• Identify problems, gather relevant information, follow instructions, and draw reasonable conclusions.
• Work independently, follow direction, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Interact with others using tact, courtesy, patience, and professionalism.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

WORK ENVIRONMENT

BENEFITS

• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System membership.
• Northeastern Ohio Inter-Museum Council membership.
• Agency discounts.
• Mental health support and Employee Assistance Program services.