Job Application for Assistant Caregiver, Environment at Farm Sanctuary

Back to jobs

Summary: As a vital member of the Sanctuary team, the Assistant Caregiver, Environment provides a safe and healthy environment for the residents.. They assist in helping achieve optimal wellbeing for all the residents which includes barn cleaning, grounds keeping and farm maintenance projects. The Assistant Caregiver, Environment should have a strong desire and ability to perform hands-on work and a personal commitment to improving the lives of farmed animals. They must be able to complete all the responsibilities with the ability to expand into other areas depending on interest and experience.

Responsibilities:

Provide animal enclosure cleaning and bedding
Perform general grounds work including mowing, weeding, trimming, planting, gardening, and other related tasks
Participate in day-to-day maintenance and/or enrichment projects
Support large maintenance projects including tasks such as painting and fence maintenance
Occasionally transport animal resident for hospital trips or rescues
Interact with and support individual environment volunteers and monthly volunteer work party experience

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout facilities
Must be able to perform strenuous physical labor and lifting (up to 60 lbs regularly; team-lift heavier amounts regularly)
Must be able to bend, lift, push, stoop, stretch, climb, and crawl and other strenuous activities to maintain equipment and buildings
Must be able to regularly perform work in a variety of weather conditions including high heat environments; almost all work is done in outdoor setting that is not climate controlled

Qualifications:

Demonstrate a willingness to help others and work effectively with multiple people at once
Flexible with positive attitude, willingness to pitch in where needed and as assigned
Reliable and dependable with timeliness and attendance
Communicates with others in a respectful and productive manner
Able to follow directions and complete all tasks as assigned
Comfort with and ability to develop expertise working with all species in Farm Sanctuary’s care.
Willingness to commit to Farm Sanctuary’s values of compassion, understanding, integrity, transformation, and freedom.
Open to learning about and putting into practice the ideals of equity and social justice, and the principles embedded in Farm Sanctuary’s mission
Preferred qualifications, but not required:
- Previous farm or work experience at an animal-care facility
- Farm animal handling experience and skills (large and/or small animal)
- Farm equipment knowledge & ability to drive tractors and trailers (CDL a plus)

We embrace candidates from a range of backgrounds and experiences, regardless of whether they satisfy all the specified requirements. We encourage you to apply, even if you have an unconventional or non-traditional background.

Specifications:

Terms of employment: Permanent, full-time, non-exempt position
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Reports to: Senior Manager, Environment
Direct reports: None
Location: Acton, CA
Travel: Occasional travel may be required to assist with transport for animal adoptions or rescues
Benefits: Competitive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays; generous paid time off; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 403(b) plan; flexible spending accounts; long-term disability insurance; free access to the CALM meditation app; and access to the Nivati wellness platform
Additional Specifications: Work schedule varies; regular weekend and holiday availability required; evening hours may be required during summer months

Farm Sanctuary is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and feel a sense of belonging. We work hard to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. We take our duty seriously to protect employees with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are strengths and are essential to achieving our mission. A diverse workforce brings a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences, leading to more creative and effective solutions to our complex issues. By embracing diversity and creating an inclusive environment, we foster a culture of belonging where innovation and growth can thrive. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization, including hiring and recruitment practices, employee development and training, and interactions with the communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are core components in fulfilling our mission of rescuing and protecting farm animals from cruelty, and we are committed to creating a culture of respect, civility, and compassion for all.

Any photos or videos taken in the scope of employment and/or related to Farm Sanctuary are considered work product and intellectual property of Farm Sanctuary.

Farm Sanctuary is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, or age.

Create a Job Alert

Interested in building your career at Farm Sanctuary? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Location (City)

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Gender Pronouns:

Select...

Are you legally authorized to work in the U.S.?

Select...

If hired, would you have a reliable means of transportation to and from work?

Select...

Are you at least 18 years old?

Select...

How did you find out about this position?

Select...

Have you worked for or interned at Farm Sanctuary in the past?

Select...

Please describe any previous experience working with animals, farm equipment, or general handy repair/maintenance work.

What motivates you to work at Farm Sanctuary and how does our mission align with your personal values?

If you were to explain the importance of animal rights to someone unfamiliar with the concept, how would you go about it?

How do you handle the emotional challenges of working in activism, particularly when faced with resistance or setbacks?

Describe a time you faced a challenge related to diversity and inclusion. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?

How do you envision yourself upholding Farm Sanctuary's values of compassion, understanding, integrity, transformation, and freedom in this role?

I certify that I have not knowingly withheld any information that might adversely affect my chances for employment and that the answers given by me are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that omission or misstatement of material fact on this application may be grounds for rejection of this application or for immediate discharge if I am employed, regardless of the time elapsed before discovery. I hereby authorize Farm Sanctuary to thoroughly investigate my references, work record, education and other matters related to my suitability for employment (unless otherwise noted on application) and authorize the references I have listed to disclose to Farm Sanctuary any information related to my work records without giving me prior notice of this disclosure. I release Farm Sanctuary from any claims, demands, or liabilities arising out of or related to this disclosure. I understand that, if offered employment by Farm Sanctuary, my employment will be at-will, meaning either Farm Sanctuary or I can terminate that employment with or without good cause and with or without advance notice and agree that nothing conveyed to me during the application process by Farm Sanctuary has altered this at-will employment relationship. I understand that nothing contained in this application or conveyed in any interview is intended to create an employment contract between me and Farm Sanctuary.

Select...

U.S. Standard Demographic Questions

We invite all applicants to voluntarily share insights about their identities through this survey. Your response will remain anonymous. The data we collect from this survey plays an instrumental role in enhancing our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and strategies in recruiting.

Farm Sanctuary is dedicated to cultivating a work environment that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating space for individuals from diverse backgrounds to flourish and ensuring that each person is valued and respected. We hold a strong conviction that our strength lies in the diversity of perspectives, experiences, and identities, and this diversity better equips us to effectively advance our mission of advocating for just and compassionate vegan living.

We deeply appreciate your cooperation in helping us uphold an environment that celebrates diversity, respects all individuals, and advances our mission of advocating for the well-being of farmed animals.

How would you describe your gender identity? (mark all that apply)

Select...

How would you describe your racial/ethnic background? (mark all that apply)

Select...

How would you describe your sexual orientation? (mark all that apply)

Select...

Do you identify as transgender?

Select...

Do you have a disability or chronic condition (physical, visual, auditory, cognitive, mental, emotional, or other) that substantially limits one or more of your major life activities, including mobility, communication (seeing, hearing, speaking), and learning?

Select...

Are you a veteran or active member of the United States Armed Forces?

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Farm Sanctuary’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Gender

Select...

Are you Hispanic/Latino?

Select...

Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Veteran Status

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305

Page 1 of 1

OMB Control Number 1250-0005

Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
Blind or low vision
Cancer (past or present)
Cardiovascular or heart disease
Celiac disease
Cerebral palsy
Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
Diabetes
Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
Intellectual or developmental disability
Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
Short stature (dwarfism)
Traumatic brain injury

Disability Status

Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

Assistant Caregiver, Environment

Apply for this job

U.S. Standard Demographic Questions

Voluntary Self-Identification

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability