Animal Caretaker-Part-Time

Gateway Special Recreation Association; Burr Ridge, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Ray Graham Association in Burr Ridge, IL invites applications for a Part-Time Animal Caretaker at the Hanson Center Barn. The role focuses on daily care of horses and barn animals, maintaining clean, safe facilities, and supporting programs for people we serve.

The position requires dependability, ability to follow safety procedures, and willingness to work weekends; prior animal-care experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong commitment to animal welfare and workplace safety.
• Ability to perform essential functions in varying weather, indoors and outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Feed and water horses and other barn animals according to schedules.
• Monitor animals for illness, injury, or behavioral concerns and report issues.
• Clean stalls, paddocks, animal enclosures, and common barn areas.
• Assist with grooming, handling, and moving horses using safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Replenish feed, bedding, and supplies as needed.
• Assist with routine barn maintenance and report facility repair needs.
• Follow all animal welfare, safety, and organizational policies.
• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and program participants.
• Support the mission and values of Ray Graham Association through respectful and professional interactions.

Skills

Following instructions

Punctuality

Independent work

Animal welfare

Weather adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

About Ray Graham Association

At Ray Graham Association, we support people with disabilities in achieving their fullest potential through quality services, meaningful opportunities, and community engagement. The Hanson Center Barn provides a unique environment where animal care supports therapeutic, educational, and recreational experiences for the people we serve.

We are seeking a dependable, compassionate, and safety-focused Part-Time Animal Caretaker to join our team. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, values animal welfare, and takes pride in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming barn environment.

Position Summary

The Animal Caretaker is responsible for the daily care and well-being of horses and other barn animals, maintaining barn facilities, and supporting the overall operations of the Hanson Center Barn. This role requires the ability to work independently, follow established animal care procedures, and perform physically active work in a farm and barn setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Feed and water horses and other barn animals according to established schedules and care plans.
• Monitor animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral concerns and report issues promptly.
• Clean stalls, paddocks, animal enclosures, and common barn areas.
• Assist with grooming, handling, and moving horses using approved safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Replenish feed, bedding, and supplies as needed.
• Assist with routine barn maintenance and report facility repair needs.
• Follow all animal welfare, safety, and organizational policies.
• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and program participants.
• Support the mission and values of Ray Graham Association through respectful and professional interactions.

Schedule

Days/evenings/weekends

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong commitment to animal welfare and workplace safety.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience caring for horses, livestock, or other animals.
• Previous barn, stable, farm, veterinary, shelter, or animal-care experience.
• Experience safely handling horses.
• Knowledge of basic animal health and behavior.
• First Aid or CPR certification.

Physical Requirements

This position regularly requires:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling supplies and equipment.
• Working in a barn environment with exposure to dust, hay, animal dander, and outdoor weather conditions.
• Safely handling horses and other animals.

Drug-Free Workplace Commitment

We are proud to be a drug-free workplace. All candidates must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening and may be subject to random testing throughout employment. We are committed to promoting a safe and productive environment for all employees.