Position Overview:
The Livestock Coordinator plays a key role in maintaining the well-being of the livestock. This position involves hands-on care, including feeding, grooming, stall cleaning, and ensuring the animal's environment is safe and comfortable. This position works closely with multiple teams to ensure the appropriate standard of care is met for the animals in the programs care.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide daily care for livestock, including feeding and watering animals according to established schedules, dietary requirements, and individual care plans.
- Safely handle, restrain, move, and otherwise work with livestock in accordance with established animal-handling, safety, and welfare protocols.
- Groom horses, including brushing, mane and tail care, hoof inspection, bathing, and other routine grooming needs.
- Clean, maintain, and disinfect stalls, paddocks, shelters, animal housing areas, equipment, and livestock-care supplies, ensuring all areas and equipment are maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition.
- Monitor animals daily for signs of illness, injury, distress, or changes in behavior or condition; accurately document observations in the shelter software and promptly report concerns to the Livestock Manager, Shelter Director, Chief Shelter Veterinarian, or other appropriate member of the Shelter Medical Team.
- Assist with administering medications and providing basic treatments in accordance with established treatment plans, protocols, and direction from the Livestock Manager or Shelter Medical Team.
- Assist with routine veterinary care, including preparing animals and facilities for veterinary examinations, vaccinations, dental care, and other procedures; safely restraining animals as needed; and assisting with follow-up care.
- Maintain accurate and timely animal-care records and documentation in accordance with established shelter procedures.
- Monitor inventory and maintain adequate supplies of hay, feed, bedding, medications, and other livestock-care materials; organize supplies appropriately and communicate shortages or anticipated needs to the Livestock Manager.
- Report safety hazards, maintenance concerns, and needed repairs promptly and assist with minor repairs as appropriate.
- Maintain and properly store livestock-care equipment and supplies, including buckets, tack, halters, lead ropes, grooming equipment, and other related materials.
- Respond appropriately to animal-care emergencies and promptly notify the appropriate supervisory or medical personnel when immediate intervention is required.
- Work collaboratively with other shelter and organizational teams to support consistent animal-care practices, animal welfare, operational needs, and positive outcomes for livestock in the organization's care.
- Work weekends, holidays, and other non-traditional hours as required to ensure continuity of animal care.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervision Received:
Work under the general direction of the Livestock Manager and/or Shelter Director.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Ability to safely handle livestock of varying temperaments, including animals with special needs or behavioral concerns.
- Knowledge of basic livestock care, health, behavior, and husbandry practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced animal welfare environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and professionally with staff, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other organizational supporters.
- Ability to remain composed and professional in stressful situations, respond constructively to feedback, and follow through on organizational commitments.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
- Demonstrated initiative and willingness to identify, develop, and implement new ideas or improvements.
- Certification or formal training in equine care, livestock care, or animal welfare preferred but not required.
- Familiarity with stable equipment, tools, and general facility maintenance tasks.
- Ability to safely operate and work around livestock-related equipment and vehicles.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform physically demanding animal-care tasks for extended periods.
- Ability to recognize and appropriately report changes in an animal's health, behavior, or condition.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, or occasional evenings, if applicable.
- Valid Texas Driver’s License
