The Livestock Management Assistant will support daily operations of livestock management, ensuring high standards of animal welfare, health, and productivity. Working closely with the Livestock Manager, this position involves hands-on care of animals, maintenance of facilities, monitoring health conditions, and assisting with breeding and nutrition programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Animal Care and Management
Provide daily care for livestock, including feeding, watering, cleaning, and health checks.
Assist with the safe handling, moving, and transportation of animals to maintain animal and handler safety.
Monitor animal health, identifying early signs of illness or injury, and reporting to the Livestock Manager.
Administer vaccinations, medications, or other treatments as instructed.
Record and maintain detailed logs of animal health, feeding, breeding, and treatment.
Facility Maintenance
Clean and maintain animal enclosures, barns, pastures, and related facilities.
Ensure all equipment used in animal care is properly sanitized, stored, and in good working condition.
Conduct routine maintenance and minor repairs on enclosures, fencing, and equipment as needed.
Breeding and Nutrition Support
Assist in monitoring breeding programs, including preparing animals and tracking reproductive cycles.
Support nutritional programs by preparing and providing appropriate diets and monitoring consumption.
Assist in the planning and adjusting of feeding schedules according to seasonal or developmental needs.
Data Collection and Record-Keeping
Record and update animal information, including health status, breeding records, and feed intake.
Assist in maintaining databases and ensuring accuracy of animal data.
Support inventory tracking of supplies, feed, and medications.
Health and Safety Compliance
Follow all biosecurity and health protocols to prevent the spread of diseases.
Adhere to workplace safety policies to ensure a safe environment for animals and personnel.
Participate in safety training and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Qualifications:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent; a background in animal science, veterinary assistance, agriculture, or related field is a plus.
Experience: Prior experience with livestock handling or farm operations is preferred.
Skills:Basic knowledge of animal husbandry and welfare practices.
Ability to operate farm equipment and tools safely.
Strong observational skills for identifying changes in animal behavior or health.
Detail-oriented with strong record-keeping abilities.
Physical Requirements:Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy items, standing for long periods, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
Comfortable working with large animals and handling livestock.
Key Competencies:
Attention to Detail: Carefully follows procedures to ensure the health and safety of livestock.
Team Player: Works collaboratively with other team members and takes direction well.
Problem-Solving: Identifies issues and reports or addresses them in a proactive manner.
Reliability: Punctual and dependable, able to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.
This position is a unique opportunity to develop hands-on experience in livestock management, animal welfare, and agricultural practices. We encourage individuals with a passion for animal care and sustainable farming to apply.