Animal Care Assistant at Center for Animal Protection & Education

Animal Care Assistant

Are you seeking a part-time opportunity that supports rescued animals? CAPE (Center for Animal Protection & Education) is hiring an Animal Care Assistant to provide weekly care at the sanctuary. Multiple options are available - must love animals!

Riverwalker Talent has been retained to support this search.

About CAPE

The Center for Animal Protection & Education (CAPE) is dedicated to the rescue and lifelong care of animals in need, with a focus on those who are often overlooked or underserved. Our sanctuary provides a safe haven for farmed animals, and animals who are older or who have special needs. We are committed to promoting compassion, advocacy, and education and empowering people to alleviate animal suffering in their daily lives.

Position Overview

CAPE is seeking a compassionate and reliable Animal Care Assistant to join our team at the CAPE Animal Sanctuary. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for the daily care, feeding, and well-being of the 30 farm animals who call CAPE home. Working closely with other team members and volunteers, you’ll help maintain a clean, safe, and nurturing environment for our residents. You will be responsible for 3-4 morning shifts per week, each shift takes approximately 3-4 hours. We are open to hiring 1 or 2 PT animal care assistants, depending on needs, schedule, and the right fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Feed and provide water to all sanctuary animals according to established protocols 

• Clean and maintain animal housing and living areas (barns, enclosures, etc.) 

• Follow daily routines for letting animals out and putting them in at night 

• Monitor animal behavior and report any signs of illness or distress to the Animal Care Lead and/or Executive Director 

• Assist with animal enrichment, socialization, grooming, and basic medical care as directed 

• Move feed and supplies using equipment such as dollies and wheelbarrows 

• Maintain detailed records of care and report updates as needed 

• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to ensure the well-being of all animals 

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong interest in animal care and farmed animal welfare 

• Previous experience working with farmed animals or companion animals preferred 

• Ability to follow detailed care instructions and safety procedures

• Strong communication and teamwork skills 

• Physically able to lift and move heavy items (25-50 pounds) and perform physically demanding tasks (carry feed bags, move hay bales, managing large animals)

• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, or variable hours as needed 

• Access to reliable transportation and a valid drivers license

What We Offer

• Rate: $20-$25 an hour - between 12-20 hours per week depending on the hire

• Shifts: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday morning shifts, with options for evening shifts if desired

  • 1 morning shift is approximately 3-4 hours

  • Timing changes depending on the season. Morning shifts in the summer begin between 7-8am, in the winter they begin at 9am.

• A chance to connect with 30+ animals who have been rescued and are receiving refuge at our sanctuary 

• Opportunities to gain experience in animal care and sanctuary operations

• Supportive supervisors and collaborative team

What To Expect

• Applications open Tuesday, July 21st 

• Initial applicants will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview with the Executive Director 

• Finalists will be invited to an on-site meeting to meet with Executive Director, Animal Care Lead, and the animals! 

• Anticipated start date: Early August 

If you have any questions, you can reach out to [email protected]