Animal Care Associate - TEMPORARY, PART-TIME

Position Reports To: Sanctuary and Rescue Manager

Position Summary:

The Animal Care Associate is responsible for providing daily care, enrichment, and rehabilitation support to animals rescued by Beagle Freedom Project (BFP). This role supports the physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being of animals recovering from laboratory research, abuse, or neglect, and contributes to maintaining a safe, clean, and humane environment at the Nowata, Oklahoma facility. As an Animal Care Associate, you will be responsible for befriending various types of animals: dogs, cats, horses, pigs, rabbits, goats, and alpacas, and more; caring for them and helping their journey of rehabilitation from abuse and neglect to love and freedom.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide daily hands-on care for a variety of species, including but not limited to dogs, cats, horses, pigs, rabbits, goats, alpacas, and other animals
• Establish and maintain positive, trust-based relationships with animals to support emotional recovery and socialization
• Assist in the rehabilitation process by teaching basic life skills, including leash walking, play behaviors, social interaction with humans and animals, and acclimation to new environments using positive reinforcement training (PRT) and Fear Free techniques
• Prepare and distribute food according to established feeding protocols
• Perform grooming and bathing tasks as required
• Clean and sanitize animal living areas, including the removal of animal waste (urine, feces, vomit), and maintain facility cleanliness
• Provide daily enrichment activities, exercise, and companionship
• Safely transport animals to and from veterinary appointments and assist with animal handling as directed
• Observe animal behavior, health, and social interactions; document observations and report concerns to supervisors or veterinary staff
• Assist with pairing or grouping animals and monitoring compatibility and behavior
• Assist with maintaining the property, including supporting routine maintenance tasks and participating in facility projects as needed

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform physical tasks for extended periods
• Ability to work in environments with exposure to animals, animal waste, outdoor elements, and varying weather conditions

Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 18 years
• Minimum of one (1) year of hands-on experience in animal care or a related field
• Valid driver’s license with good driving history and reliable transportation
• Demonstrated knowledge of animal behavior and welfare
• Basic veterinary knowledge, including the ability to identify common conditions (e.g., emaciation, parasites, lethargy)
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and animal care needs
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Employees must live a cruelty-free lifestyle and actively support Beagle Freedom Project’s mission to end animal testing and animal exploitation. If you are not cruelty-free already, a staff member will teach you.

No benefits are offered given the temporary nature of the role.

English language fluency required.