Farm Animal Care & Interpretation Staff - Old Maryland Farm - Seasonal

The Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation is currently seeking a highly motivated individual for a year-round seasonal/intermittent position of Animal Care and Interpretation Staff to be located at the Old Maryland Farm in Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro, MD. This position may work up to 30 hours a week and will pay at the rate of $16.00/hr.

• Monitors health of animals by observing eating habits, general activity, behavior and appearance, interaction with others, etc. Reports abnormal behavior and possible medical problems to director/supervisor without delay.
• Under supervision, maintains excellence in exhibit display including modifying or adding animal appropriate furnishings (perching, hides, etc.), performing minor repairs to exhibits, and upkeep of exhibits as appropriate.
• May be asked to come in to assist with special events.
• Assists with veterinary visits/procedures. May include haltering animals, physical restraint of animals, relaying pertinent information to the veterinarian, etc.
• Provides general information to the public as requested and interprets commission rules and regulations to visitors.
• Maintains vegetable, herb, and flower gardens throughout the farm and assists with invasive plant management.
• Provides daily care to animals and their enclosures. Including, but not limited to cleaning, feeding, watering, grooming, animal training and enrichment of large and small livestock, including chickens, peafowl, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, cattle and more. This is physical work that requires using various tools, power equipment, and lifting of heavy objects (hay bales, animals, etc.).
• As needed, and under the direction of farm director and supervisor, prepares and distributes animal medication and accurately records compliance, according to veterinarians’ instructions.
• Assists with livestock care practices, such as shearing sheep, filing goat hooves, picking out horse hooves, weighing animals, and washing animals.
• Provide interpretive and educational programs in agriculture and farm history to various groups such as students, scouts, the general public and summer youth campers.

Preferred Candidates will possess:

• Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions: hot, cold, rain, snow, etc.
• Experience working on a farm or with large domestic animals is a plus.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry practices and methods, including knowledge of animal behavior, veterinary care, and enrichment and training. This knowledge can come from college course work, practical experience, or both.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs
• Valid Driver’s License
• Experience in conducting interpretive programs to groups, such as school groups, families, the general public, etc.

• A criminal background investigation will be completed prior to hire.
• The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sez, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.
• Person(s) hired for this position must provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (with limited religious or medical exceptions).
• This position does not provide benefits.