Animal Caretaker / Farmhand

Mary; Ellicott City (MD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Mary in Ellicott City, MD is seeking an Animal Caretaker/Farmhand to perform daily health checks, feed and care for livestock and poultry, and keep barns and paddocks guest-ready. You will follow AM/PM chore routines and assist with guest interactions during encounters.

The role requires outdoor work in all weather, ability to lift up to 50 lbs, reliability, and comfortable teamwork with the Farm Manager. Weekend and holiday shifts are part of regular schedule; prior livestock experience is

Qualifications

• Experience with livestock, poultry, or farm animal care preferred.
• Able to work outdoors in various conditions and hours.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical labor.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work weekends/holidays.
• Comfortable interacting with guests and groups.
• Detail-oriented and able to follow feeding instructions.

Responsibilities

• Perform morning, afternoon, or evening animal chores.
• Monitor animal health; report concerns promptly.
• Maintain clean feed, water, bedding areas.
• Assist with halter training and socialization of young animals.
• Assist with guest experiences and tours.
• Support seasonal events and festivals.

Skills

Livestock experience

Outdoor work

Guest interaction

Team player

Physical stamina

Job description

Position Summary

The Animal Caretaker / Farmhand is responsible for the daily health, feeding, and care of the farm's livestock and poultry, and for keeping barns, paddocks, and animal areas clean, safe, and guest-ready. This role executes structured morning (AM) and/or evening (PM) chore routines and provides general animal care throughout the shift, including feeding, watering, cleaning, pasture checks, and hands‑on work with the farm's zebu calves. The person in this role often works directly with guests during animal encounters and must be comfortable representing the farm to the public.

Responsibilities

• Work Morning, afternoon and/or evening chores for our petting farm animals
• Monitor animal health and behavior daily; flag injuries, illness, or concerns to the Farm Manager promptly
• Maintain clean, safe, and well‑stocked feed, water, and bedding areas across all species
• Support halter training and socialization of young animals (e.g., calves, donkeys, dog, etc) to prepare them for guest interactions
• Help maintain fencing, paddocks, and barn infrastructure; report repairs needed
• Follow feed formulas and quantities precisely for each species
• Track and communicate feed, hay, and supply inventory; flag reorder needs
• Assist with guest‑facing animal experiences (bottle feedings, cuddling sessions, tours) in a friendly, professional manner as needed
• Assist with seasonal events and festivals as needed, including animal‑related activities for guests

Qualifications

• Prior experience with livestock, poultry, or farm animal care strongly preferred
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, early mornings, and/or evenings
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (feed bags, water buckets, hay) and perform physical labor for extended periods
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work a consistent shift schedule including weekends and holidays
• Comfortable interacting with guests, campers, and school groups in a warm, professional manner
• Detail‑oriented; able to follow specific feeding and care instructions for multiple species
• Team player willing to take direction from the Farm Manager and communicate issues clearly
• Valid driver's license preferred; ability to operate a wheelbarrow, hand tools, and basic farm equipment

Physical Requirements

• Regularly walk, bend, kneel, and stand for extended periods across uneven, outdoor terrain
• Lift and carry feed, water, and hay up to 50 lbs regularly, and heavier loads occasionally with assistance
• Work in close proximity to large and small livestock, poultry, and other farm animals
• Tolerate exposure to dust, hay, animal dander, and outdoor allergens

Schedule & Shift Options

Because animals require care every day of the year, weekend and holiday coverage is a standard part of the schedule, typically on a rotating basis with the rest of the animal care team.