About this role
Opportunity at a Glance
The Animal Caretaker works in the Pasture Department along with the Pasture Assistants under the direct supervision of the Manager of Animal Care. The job involves significant outdoor work in varying weather conditions and requires the candidate to be able to lift up to 70 pounds.
Responsibilities
This position requires that you work diligently and responsibly when independent of constant personal supervision.Familiarity with all current Pasture procedures, operations, schedules and projectsLearn, understand and follow schedules, protocols and priorities established for animal care on campusMaintain full and effective communication with supervisor and colleagues in person and by 2-way radioUse of MS Outlook and current Pasture work scheduling softwareConstantly observe animals on campus for illness, injury or incidentCount animals daily and assist Manager of Animal Care in keeping a running account of livestock on campus. Assure that animals are confined in their appropriate paddocks.Examine, treat and medicate livestock and record these activities as directed by the Manager of Animal Care, given sufficient training and directionAssist with any emergencies affecting the animals on campusCollect, restrain and transport animals for scheduled and incidental teaching and care purposes on campus and appropriately supervise any assistants in these tasksAssist with transportation of livestock to campusInspect and properly apply identification system to all incoming RUSVM livestockAssist students with handling and restraining livestockDriving of Pasture trucks or utility vehicles as necessary once licensed and insurableAssist with brush control in the PastureAssure water is fresh, clean and available to all livestock at all times,Cutting, loading, delivering, unloading, chopping and receipting forage grass for Ross University livestockAccount for and distribute stored grain feed suppliesDaily and periodic cleaning of animal mangers, troughs stalls, pens and paddocks.Keep barns, stalls, lanes, pens, corrals and paddocks clean and assure these are in good repair.Assure that fences and gates are in good repair, trimmed free of vegetationElectric fence set-up, maintenance and repairPest control in livestock areas—flies, ticks, mice, rats, pigeons, chickens, etc.Assist with forage grass culture, harvest and irrigation as requestedTrained and available for fire emergencies and hurricane crisesSecure and account for any RUSVM Animal Care property, materials, tools and equipment in your use, charge or area.Any other duties as assignedCompletes other duties as assigned.Performs other duties as assignedComplies with all policies and standards Ability to lift 50 - 70 poundsAbility to work outdoors in varying climates (Sun, rain etc.)Ability to work standing up for long periods of timeComfortable working in direct contact with large or small animals (Cattle, Sheep, Donkeys, Dogs etc.)Must be willing to work weekends and public holidaysMust be a licensed driver in St. KittsQualification for a Class D tractor driver’s license Preferred
Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation