Farm Animal Caretaker

Department: Port Farms

Reporting Relationship: Farm Experience and Education Coordinator and COO

Employment Type: Part-Time/Non-Exempt

Location: 2055 Stone Quarry Rd, Waterford, PA 16441

Job Summary:

The Farm Animal Caretaker is responsible for the daily health, welfare, and husbandry of Port Farms’ on-site animals, including but not limited to donkeys, goats, chickens, and ducks. This is a hands-on, year-round role that requires a genuine love for animals, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. This person is the primary caretaker for our animals and plays a vital role in maintaining their health, safety, and quality of life.

Primary Responsibilities:

Daily Animal Care:

• Provide fresh water at the start of every shift, and refill throughout the day as needed.
• Feed all animals on the established daily schedule.
• Remove wood chips in waterers and maintain clean, dry bedding in all animal areas.
• Ensure minerals are available and stocked for animals on a daily basis.
• Monitor animal population and density and notify the owners or COO if overcrowding is being observed.
• Collect eggs daily and handle with care.

Health & Safety Monitoring:

• Observe all animals at the start of each shift for signs of illness, injury, or distress.
• Report any and all health concerns, including changes in behavior, appearance, or mobility, to the owners or COO immediately, without exception.
• Never leave a known animal issue unreported, regardless of perceived severity.
• Inspect all equipment at the start of each shift (heat lamps, gates, latches, feeders, waterers) and immediately report any damage, malfunction, or safety hazard to the owners or COO.
• Assist with routine hoof trimming for all animals with hooves, and coordinate scheduling with the owners or COO when professional farrier services are needed.
• Administer vaccines and medications as necessary.

Facility Upkeep:

• Maintain clean and orderly conditions in all animal areas — including the hayloft, downstairs facility, and surrounding pasture — at the end of every shift.
• Remove waste, rotten produce, debris, and hay string from animal areas daily.
• Ensure gates, latches, and enclosures are secure at all times; report any structural issues promptly.
• Restock supplies (feed, bedding, minerals) and notify the owners or COO when inventory is running low.

Required Qualifications:

• Prior experience in agriculture, farm management, agritourism, or related field preferred.
• Genuine care for and comfort around farm animals — prior animal care experience preferred
• Working knowledge of livestock care and crop production practices.
• Strong observational skills and the ability to recognize when something is off with an animal or the facility.
• Reliable and able to work independently without supervision.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during peak seasons.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry animal feed, hay, etc.

Work Schedule:

• Seasonal, fast-paced agritainment and food service environment.
• Shifts may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Requires flexibility, including weekends, holidays, and peak festival periods

Compensation and Benefits:

The starting rate for this position is $15/hr.

Compensation for this position is determined based on position responsibilities, relevant previous experience, and demonstrated performance.

*All new hires for this position are subject to a 30-day probationary period beginning on their first day of employment. During this time, your direct supervisor will evaluate your performance, reliability, attitude, and adherence to Port Farms’ standards. Upon successful completion of the 30-day probationary period, a 90-day pay and benefits review will be scheduled in accordance with your offer of employment.

Benefits include:

• Free Admission for self and immediate family members to Port Farms.
• Employee discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise.