Horse Care Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The Animal Care Manager is responsible for outlining, scheduling, documenting and assisting with the care and maintenance of Hunkapi Programs’ all animals on the farm. This person will communicate any maintenance needs to their supervisor and make sure Hunkapi Programs’ staff and volunteers understand the needs of each animal. The Animal Care Manager will assist with the husbandry of other farm animals, as needed.

SCOPE OF POSITION:

• Develops a maintenance plan for each Hunkapi Programs’ animal, including nutritional management, health care regimens and scheduling of vet and farrier care.
• Ensures all animals are fed, watered and cared for according to their respective maintenance plans.
• Oversees and assists with barn cleanliness and maintenance, including cleaning of stalls, feed rooms and tack rooms.
• Monitors health and behavior of animals daily, and communicates any injuries, diseases or abnormal behaviors to supervisor and/or other appointed personnel.
• Inventories each animal and weighs them to ensure their nutritional needs are met and documents each animal’s care and procedures.
• Consults with supervisor to create a turn-out schedule so each animal has daily time in a large size-appropriate paddock.
• Completes and forwards required administrative paperwork when animals are relocated off site.
• Transports animals and supplies to designated locations, as needed.
• Assesses each animal’s needs for winter blankets and facilitates the process.
• Creates a horse usage chart and weight chart to ensure each horse is used in moderation and assigned appropriate weights for the clients who ride them.
• Creates and oversees all emergency care for animals that are sick and require round the clock care.
• Communicates with Volunteer Coordinator the volunteer needs for animal and barn maintenance.
• Works with and oversees volunteers assisting with animal and barn care.
• Communicates with Hunkapi Program’s staff the maintenance needs of each animal.
• The scope of the Animal Care Manager is subject to change, as needed, to ensure the ability to adequately meet the needs of Hunkapi Programs.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

The Animal Care Manager serves an important role in helping ensure the health of Hunkapi’s equine herd of healers. Through diligence, observation, organization and communication, the incumbent will create an exceptional maintenance plan for each animal, which complies with the National Institute of Health guidelines.

The incumbent will comply with all Hunkapi Programs’ policies and procedures and will demonstrate excellence and integrity by:

• Maintaining confidentiality of all clients and staff.
• Modeling predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrating an efficient and productive work ethic.
• Working and communicating as a team player to provide excellent and nurturing care to our animals and service to our clients.
• Maintaining a positive work environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Extensive knowledge (10+ years) of animal husbandry and/or degree in animal husbandry, plus 8 years of experience.
• Possesses a strong background working with and caring for horses and a strong understanding of equine behavior
• High level of commitment to the care and well-being of all farm animals
• Observant and detail oriented
• Technical skills to maintain online records for each animal
• Remains focused on routine tasks
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well and interact with a diverse group of people
• Must have fingerprint clearance issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety or be eligible to receive within four (4) weeks of hire.
• Can stoop, bend and do manual labor
• Can lift 50-75 pounds
• Must be comfortable working in inclement outdoor conditions