Prairie Farms Assistant Director of Animal Care

Summary 

The Prairie Farm Assistant Director of Animal Care assists with the daily operation and maintenance of the animals and their care at the Champaign Park District’s interactive farm. 

Qualifications 

• Minimum 18 years of age. 
• Minimum one (1) year of experience working with livestock required. 
• Children’s recreational programming experience preferred. 
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License. 

Supervision 

The Prairie Farm Assistant Director of Animal Care is directly responsible to the Prairie Farm Director. 

Classification 

• Non-Exempt, hourly 
• Seasonal (not to exceed six (6) months) 
  • Season is May to September 

Training – Can be obtained through the Champaign Park District  

• First Aid, AED, and CPR Certification 
• Heads Up Concussion training 
• Mandated reporter training 
• Harassment prevention training 
• Bloodborne pathogen training 
• Recreation software system training 
• Drivers training and test 
• Facility training 

Essential Functions 

• Follow all Champaign Park District safety policies and perform all work in a manner that ensures the safety of oneself, the public, fellow employees. 
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and discretion in all interactions, including maintaining strict confidentiality regarding staff information, communications from supervisors, and conversations with parents or patrons. Uphold the Park District’s policies and standards for data privacy and confidentiality at all times. 
• Assist with the feeding, care, and cleaning of animals. 
• Monitor and maintain the health conditions of animals. 
• Assist with training, supervising, and evaluating leaders and volunteers. 
• Maintain good public relations with participants and their caregivers. 
• Purchase and maintain program supplies. 
• Use Champaign Park District resources wisely. 
• Maintain a clean and orderly environment at all times. 
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for staff and participants. 
• Maintain open communication with the supervisor and subordinates. 
• Maintain records of program operations, including participant files, incident/accident reports, attendance, and sign-out sheets. 
• Assist in planning, organizing, and directing Prairie Farm programs as needed. 
• Attend required meetings. 
• Act as Director in the Director’s absence. 
• Assist with special projects. 
• Assist with the upkeep of the farmhouse and grounds. 
• Comply with equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies and procedures. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Physical Considerations 

• Outdoors in hot, humid, sunny weather. 
• Must be able to lift supplies and equipment (approximately up to 40 pounds) when needed. 

Environmental Considerations 

• Exposed to various odors and sounds associated with farm activities. 
• May be exposed to many weather conditions including rain, wind, extreme heat, etc. 

The Champaign Park District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employees are required to comply with our equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies, and procedures.