Lead Equine and Farm Animal Attendant

Essential Job Duties

The Lead Equine and Farm Animal Attendant provides high-level support and clinical care for a varied range of large animal patients. This role is responsible for ensuring the daily nutritional, hygiene, and safety needs of patients are met while maintaining a sterile and efficient hospital environment. As a Shift Lead, you will bridge the gap between staff and management by coordinating workflows, mentoring new team members, and ensuring the highest standards of biosecurity and operational excellence are maintained 24/7/365.

Key Responsibilities

1. Patient Care & Husbandry

• Provide comprehensive daily care for equine, bovine, caprine, ovine, and camelid species.
• Execute feeding and watering schedules according to clinical requirements.
• Perform grooming and general maintenance of patient hygiene.
• Expertly handle and restrain large animals for veterinary procedures, prioritizing the safety of the animal and the medical team.

2. Hospital Operations & Biosecurity

• Maintain a sanitary hospital environment by strictly adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and biosecurity protocols.
• Manage stall cleaning, disinfection of clinical areas, and hazardous/non-hazardous waste removal.
• Monitor and maintain indoor/outdoor hospital grounds and equipment.
• Oversee repair schedules and equipment maintenance to ensure zero downtime in hospital operations.

3. Leadership & Shift Management

• Workflow Coordination: Act as the primary point of contact for shift operations; prioritize daily tasks and delegate responsibilities to husbandry staff.
• Onboarding & Training: Lead the training of new hires by demonstrating proper procedures, providing real-time feedback, and assisting in the development of training materials.
• Continuity of Care: Ensure seamless communication and transitions between shifts to maintain operational consistency.
• Professionalism: Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and excellence.

4. Inventory & Administrative Support

• Monitor inventory levels of feed, bedding, and medical supplies.
• Assist with supply ordering, purchasing, and stocking to ensure uninterrupted patient care.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and infectious disease protocols to protect staff, visitors, and patients.

Key Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: Proven experience in large animal husbandry (Equine/Livestock) and handling.
• Adaptability: Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a high-intensity 24/7 environment.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of biosecurity measures and infectious disease control.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead a team, manage time effectively, and resolve operational conflicts.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly.
• Ability to stand, bend, and perform manual labor for extended periods in various weather conditions.
• Comfort working in close proximity to large, sometimes unpredictable, animals.

Minimum Experience/Education

Completion of an accredited training program in the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Some positions may require additional Training, Certifications, or Licensure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Equine Handling & Husbandry: Extensive experience in equine restraint, daily patient care, and stall maintenance within a veterinary setting, including strict adherence to biosecurity and infectious disease protocols.
• Leadership & Operational Oversight: Proven ability to supervise and mentor team members, coordinate workflows, and make sound decisions to maintain hospital efficiency and accountability in a fast-paced environment.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Strong knowledge of patient safety, OSHA standards, and AAHA requirements, with the ability to safely handle hazardous materials, medical gases, and zoonotic diseases.
• Professional Communication & Tech Savvy: Ability to communicate effectively with clinicians and clients during high-stress situations, paired with proficiency in basic computer tasks like data entry and email.
• Physical Stamina & Technical Skill: Competency in operating heavy equipment (forklifts, tractors, etc.) and the physical ability to lift up to 90 pounds and work flexible hours to support 24/7/365 hospital operations.

Required license or certification

NC Driver's License is required and will need to be obtained within 60 days of hire and maintained throughout employment.