Equine Caretaker

Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, has been helping animals and people since 1873. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. Our organization cares for thousands of animals each year—saving animals from abuse and suffering, sending homeless pets to new homes, connecting pet owners with resources to keep their pets, and sharing information on how to help animals every day.

The Equine Caretaker’s primary role is to provide daily care and rehabilitation for equine at Lollypop Farm. They are a critical part of the team improving the health and wellbeing of equine to ready them for adoptive homes and educating the community about them.

Schedule: Full-time, Sunday - Thursday

Benefits: We offer generous paid time off (128 hours), and 8 paid holidays. After meeting the service requirement, Lollypop Farm contributes up to 6% toward your retirement. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health and professional growth. We prioritize your wellbeing though onsite emotional support and 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Program. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, eligible full-time employees may qualify for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Essential Job Duties:

• Provide compassionate care to the equine at Lollypop Farm
• Ensure the wellbeing of equine through daily feeding, watering, and cleaning to the standard of the SOPs.
• Handle and work with animals of various temperaments and work to improve their adoptability
• Maintain comprehensive records for animals in shelter management system
• Assist with scheduling and handling the animals for appointments with outside equine professionals (veterinarian, farrier, etc.)
• Assist the Farm Director in creating pathways to placement for incoming animals
• Participates in pre-intake counseling, scheduling, and intake diversion with past adopters and rescue/placement partners.
• Assist the Farm Director in developing training and enrichment plans for equine, then implement those plans to ready animals for adoption
• Assist the Farm Director with equine adoptions, including counseling, scheduling adoption appointments, and meeting with adopters to introduce them to the horses
• Assist in training and providing direction to new team members and volunteers
• Provide professional customer service to the team and other staff, volunteers, clients, and visitors
• Assist in grounds maintenance (including, but not limited to, raking, and shoveling)
• Operate vehicles, equipment (including, but not limited to, lawn mowers, weed whackers, tractors and utility vehicles) and attachments (including, but not limited to, manure spreader, bush hog, and York rake)
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with the company’s policies and applicable state and federal laws Observe all safety rules and regulations for self and others
• Maintain good housekeeping
• Perform other duties as requested

Education & Experience: High School diploma or equivalent education. Three years experience with equine care and riding/training strongly preferred. A combination of education and experience will be considered if aligned with the position.

Skills: Ability to interpret and follow instructions. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations. Ability to operate a tractor, shovel, rake, grooming equipment, bush hogs, and tractor rake.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position during shift, move throughout the building and move weight up to 50 pounds. Frequently required to communicate with others. Occasionally required to move excessive weight.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of this position.

Must Align with the Company Mission, Vision and Core Values:

Mission: Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care.

Vision: A just and compassionate world for all animals.

Core Values: We embrace and recognize that Lollypop Farm donors are the heroes of our work – voluntarily offering time or money, no matter the amount – to support our mission. Together, our core values unify and guide us to provide the best service to the animals, our community, our organization and ourselves.

• Compassion: We show empathy and sympathy for what people and animals are experiencing through positive and constructive actions.
• Communication: We engage in a two-way process to exchange thoughts, feelings, and ideas in pursuit of a mutually-accepted goal or direction.
• Flexibility: We are willing and comfortable adapting to new circumstances and conditions.
• Commitment: We persevere in our efforts to achieve our mission.
• Teamwork: We collaborate and communicate to achieve common goals, understanding that the organization works best when unified.
• Integrity: We pursue our mission with honor, fairness, and respect for animals, individuals, the organization, and our community.
• Respect: We show consideration and professional regard for all aspects of the organization.

Commitment to Diversity

At Lollypop Farm, we believe that people are our greatest strength. We are united by our mission - Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and lifesaving care. Our values inspire us to promote and support a diverse and equitable environment of mutual respect where all staff, volunteers, and community members feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.

EOE/ADA