Animal Care Specialist

The Town of Windsor announces a great opportunity for an Animal Care Specialist at Northwest Park.

Northwest Park is a 473-acre municipal park in the Town of Windsor, Connecticut. The park features a nature center, hiking trails, natural habitats, and a barn with a variety of heritage breed farm animals on display. The Animal Care Specialist will report to the Park Manager.

This position is responsible for the care of the park’s poultry and livestock, including daily feeding, watering, and maintenance of pastures and pens. This is a paid, 24 hours per week, year-round part-time position. Work hours are flexible, Monday – Friday mornings. The hourly rate is $19.00 per hour. Requires a drug screen and criminal background check before hiring.

Our Ideal Candidate will:
• Maintain Northwest Park’s Heritage Breed Program by procuring and displaying a variety of animals for public enjoyment and education.
• Ensure compliance with all USDA, APHIS, and State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture regulations and requirements. Keep all licensing and inspection programs up to date.
• Develop and maintain nutritional programs for all species of poultry and livestock; oversee the setup and cleanliness of all animal living environments in conformance with current agricultural practices.
• Maintain regular health care in conjunction with a qualified veterinarian; apply or dispense all medications as prescribed; coordinate contractual services such as a farrier, shearer, and dentist.
• Acquire all feed, bedding, hay, and supplies; maintain accurate records of all animal care supply expenses as well as for all professional animal care services.
• Train, manage, and provide continuing education for volunteer animal feeders regarding animal care.
• Assist the Park Manager and Educators in developing communications about the heritage breed animals to benefit public enjoyment and education.

Minimum Qualifications:
• High School Diploma
• 2 years of experience working with domestic livestock and poultry
• Ability to assist in carrying and storing feed, hay, and bedding material. Must occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to develop a positive rapport with volunteers and work in a team environment

To Apply:
Complete an online application at https://townofwindsorct.com/human-resources/vacancies/ Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled. The Town of Windsor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of the workforce. EOE/AA.