Barn Assistant at Methodist Children's Home Society – Mayville, Michigan

I. JOB SUMMARYThe Barn Assistant is responsible for the care and maintenance of all animals and animal-related facilities owned by MCHS. This position is also responsible for assisting campers with barn animal activities.
II. DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Maintain the weekly feed, supplement, medication, care, exercise and training checklist.
• Give animals basic first aid and oral and IM medications, as needed.
• Welcome and train new staff members and volunteers on animal handling techniques.
• Work flexible hours, when needed, which may include some evenings and weekends.

• Check animals regularly for possible injury/illness and communicate any issues of concern to the Lead Barn Assistant and/or Equestrian Program Supervisor and manage any health emergencies that arise.

• Provide medical treatment to the animals, such as administering medications and vaccinations and update health records accordingly.
• Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
• Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions.
• Feed and water livestock and monitor food and water supplies.
• Clean stalls, pens, and equipment, using disinfectant solutions, brushes, shovels, water hoses, or pumps.
• Assist Lead Barn Assistant with inspecting, maintaining, and repairing equipment, machinery, buildings, pens, yards, and fences as needed.
• Daily and routine maintenance of animal care facilities such as manure management, trough management, pasture rotation management, fence line management, etc.
• Maintain upkeep of animal areas including stalls, tack room, pastures, indoor arena, paddocks, equipment sheds, animal shelters, etc.
• Demonstrate commitment to the social sector with a passion for MCHS’s mission and vision.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

III. BASIC COMPETENCIESEducation and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 year of experience with horseback riding and animal care preferred.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and driving record that is acceptable and meets requirements of the agency’s insurance carrier.
• Must meet the State’s Moral Character standard.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Knowledge of storage/handling techniques of animal feed.
• Basic animal handling knowledge and skills and comfortable handling animals independently.
• Knowledge of appropriate use of tools including but not limited to saddles, reins, farrier equipment.
• Familiar with safety measures including appropriate use of protective equipment, safe lifting, and animal handling.

Skills and Abilities Needed:

• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Manage time and multiple priorities, meet deadlines.
• Exercise professional judgment in dealing with animals and visitors to the barn.
• Complete assigned tasks in an efficient and effective manner.
• Perform physically active work requiring frequent standing, reaching, walking, bending, shoveling, pulling, pushing, climbing and lifting in order to perform various animal and visitor care.
• Able to push/pull weight of up to 150 pounds and lift weight of up to 75 pounds.
• Possess an understanding of proper and safe use of cleaning equipment, chemicals, and products.
• Adhere to all applicable safety and health policies and procedures.

IV. JOB SETTINGThe work environment described here is representative of that which an employee will typically encounter during a normal shift. Work may involve standing or walking for multiple hours during the work shift and may involve exposure to seasonal weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

V. Other InformationMCHS is an equal opportunity employer where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristics as established by law. This policy extends to all policies and procedures related to the recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

Furthermore, this description is a summary of the responsibilities, duties, skills, experience, abilities, and qualifications associated with this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may be changed at any time at the discretion of the CEO. Employment is still considered at-will in which MCHS or the employee may with or without notice, with or without reason terminate employment. MCHS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.