Animal Caretaker

The Gentle Barn; Christiana (TN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

FSA

EAP

Paid time off

Hands-on learning

Supportive culture

Job summary

The Gentle Barn, a nonprofit sanctuary in Christiana, TN, seeks an Animal Caretaker. This full-time, on-site role involves caring for pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, horses, and cows.

You will feed, monitor health, provide medications, and maintain clean facilities while thriving in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. You should have a HS diploma, horse experience, and comfort working outdoors; weekend availability is required.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Horse experience required (grooming, haltering, walking)
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Punctual and reliable
• Willing to learn and be trainable
• Weekend availability required
• Prior animal care or veterinary knowledge is a plus

Responsibilities

• Feed animals and provide fresh water
• Monitor health and well-being, including veterinary care and medications
• Provide fresh, organic produce daily
• Care for animals with additional needs
• Manage daily medications and storage
• Maintain cleanliness throughout the facility
• Perform routine property maintenance and light repairs
• Keep equipment organized and safe

Skills

Horse experience

Outdoor work

Punctual and reliable

Willingness to learn

Weekend availability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Animal Caretaker

TN-VET 301 Manual Labor Christiana, TN, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1068

Salary Range: $16.00 To $18.00 Hourly

SUMMARY:

The Gentle Barn is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing animals and helping both animals and people heal. Through innovative programs like Cow Hug Therapy®, Equine Therapy, and educational experiences, we create meaningful connections that inspire hope, compassion, and transformation. We are a mission-driven, fast-paced, and deeply collaborative team committed to making a real impact every day. At The Gentle Barn, you’ll be part of a purpose-filled environment where your work directly contributes to changing lives, both human and animal.

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Animal Caretaker to join our team. This full-time role involves caring for pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, horses, and cows who call the sanctuary home. It’s a highly sought-after and deeply meaningful position, ideal for someone who not only loves working with animals but also thrives as part of a collaborative, like-minded team committed to providing exceptional care and kindness every day. This is a full-time, onsite position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure animals are properly fed, and provided fresh water and a clean living environment (fresh hay, straw, shavings, and mucking out stalls)
• Monitor the health and well-being of animals, including weight, veterinary care, medications, and bandages
• Prepare and provide fresh, organic produce for the animals daily
• Provide specialty care to animals with additional needs
• Oversee daily medications including the storage, stocking, and distribution of such medications
• Maintain cleanliness throughout the entire facility through dusting, pressure washing, and wiping down of equipment on a regular basis
• Utilize the gator to pick up and clean poop throughout the animals' pastures and paddocks
• Perform routine property maintenance and special projects as they arise, such as landscaping, painting, building, or other repairs
• Keep tools and other equipment organized and in good working order
• Miscellaneous maintenance tasks as needed or requested

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Must have horse experience (grooming, haltering, walking)
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Punctual and reliable
• Highly trainable and eager to learn
• Available to work varying hours based on the needs of the business including weekends
• Be a gentle and kind person who cares deeply for animals
• Prior experience training and caring for various animals is a plus
• Animal medical knowledge a plus
• Experience pulling trailers a plus
• Prior landscaping, contracting, building, and maintenance experience a plus
• Vegan or Vegetarian lifestyle a plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and uneven terrain
• Lift, carry, and move heavy items such as feed bags, hay bales, water buckets, and equipment (often 50+ lbs)
• Walk, stand, bend, kneel, and squat for extended periods throughout the day
• Safely handle and work around large animals, including restraining, guiding, and assisting with movement when neededClean and maintain enclosures, barns, and pastures, including shoveling, raking, and hauling waste
• Operate basic farm tools and equipment to support daily animal care and facility upkeep

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Retirement plan, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time off, including vacation days, personal days, sick leave, and paid company holidays
• Hands-on learning opportunities
• Supportive, mission-driven culture focused on compassion, collaboration, and well-being