Animal Keeper

Lambs Farm

Posted 3 months ago

Full Time

Libertyville, Illinois

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

Oversee the daily care, health, and welfare of nearly 300 animals while maintaining farm enclosures and attractions. Mentor team members with developmental disabilities and interact with the public to ensure a positive visitor experience.

Qualifications

You have a high school diploma or equivalent, with at least one year of experience in animal care or a related field. You are comfortable with public interaction, possess strong organizational skills, and have knowledge of animal behavior and welfare best practices. Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is a plus.

Must Have Skills for ATS

animal care

animal welfare

animal behavior

farm maintenance

Excel

word processors

Job Description

Join Our Mission at Lambs Farm

At Lambs Farm, we are passionately committed to enriching the lives of adults with developmental disabilities by providing them with meaningful work opportunities in a vibrant and intentional community. Our diverse facilities, including a farmyard, pet adoption center, restaurant, bakery, country store, and thrift store, delight the public while equipping our participants with crucial employment skills in a supportive environment.

Lambs Farm is a nurturing community where participants are empowered to choose their paths, from work to leisure activities, fostering self-reliance and personal growth. It is also a place where families can teach their children about inclusivity and understanding people with disabilities.

Do you have a zest for community service, love engaging with dynamic settings, and seek to make a meaningful daily impact? Lambs Farm might just be your dream workplace. Here, we embody hard work, excellent care, and a commitment to cultivating the human spirit.


Summary

We are seeking an Animal Keeper to oversee the care of nearly 300 animals. This role involves ensuring animal welfare, working with participants with developmental disabilities, interacting with the public, and performing essential farm maintenance. The ideal candidate is experienced in animal care, comfortable with public interaction, and available to work weekends as part of a rotating schedule.


The Role

  • Oversee daily animal care, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health, and providing enrichment
  • Ensure enclosures are secured daily and perform security checks
  • Operate and maintain attractions (miniature train, carousel, golf course) and perform essential maintenance (fence repairs, gardening, cleaning)
  • Mentor team members with developmental disabilities, guiding them toward personal and professional goals
  • Ensure safety protocols and compliance with animal welfare standards
  • Collaborate with management to enhance animal care practices and visitor experiences

Qualifications

  • High School diploma or equivalent, with a relevant degree preferred
  • At least one year of experience in animal care or a related field is preferred
  • Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities is a plus
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a commitment to outstanding customer service
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Knowledge of animal behavior, health, and welfare best practices
  • Proficiency in writing, speaking, and understanding English
  • Proficiency in basic computer skills, including accurate typing, navigating websites, entering and recalling data, using word processors and spreadsheet software, and managing emails
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds, work outdoors in all weather, and stand or walk for extended periods

Compensation

The hourly rate for this role is $15.00 per hour



Disclaimer: As part of the pre-employment process, all employees at Lambs Farm are required to successfully complete background and registry checks and medical screenings. These measures are in place to ensure a safe and compliant environment for everyone involved. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Lambs Farm

Founded in 1961 by Bob Terese and Corinne Owen, Lambs Farm was created based on a simple belief: All people should be treated with dignity and respect and people with developmental disabilities can lead meaningful and productive lives. They opened The Lambs, a pet shop on State Street in downtown Chicago, to create work opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, and to demonstrate that they can do a great deal more than most people thought possible at the time. In 1965. W. Clement Stone donated what is now the 72-acre farm with a century old barn that we call home. We now serve 250 participants. Most of them live at Lambs Farm in one of our nine group homes, in our 16-unit apartment building or in our retirement residence. Some participants live in the surrounding community in single family homes owned and operated by Lambs Farm. Other participants live at home with their families but commute to Lambs Farm daily to work and take part in our many programs. Many of our people are employed in the community while many more choose to work at Lambs Farm in a wide array of jobs available to them through our businesses, work center, administration, groundskeeping and more.
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