Description:
Barn volunteers provide care to farm animals by ensuring their living environment remains safe, clean and as comfortable as possible! While volunteers are not in direct contact with most farm animals, this is a hands-on, physically demanding role suited for those who enjoy outdoor activity in all seasons.
Please note, volunteers are not permitted to ride horses in the care of the MSPCA. We also do not offer an option for volunteers to socialize with animals as their only task.
Responsibilities:
- Clean and disinfect both indoor and outdoor enclosures.
- Provide appropriate food, water, and bedding.
- Perform miscellaneous barn chores as assigned by staff. Examples include but are not limited to: picking paddocks, disinfecting equipment, distributing approved enrichment items to animals, restocking supplies, and cleaning tack.
- Barn animal care volunteers will care for a variety of species, including goats, chickens, geese, horses, and other farm animals. We cannot accommodate requests to volunteer with only a specific species.
- Read daily emails and other communications regarding our barn animals.
Qualities/Skills:
- Some level of comfort with various farm animal species.
- Some knowledge of animal body language.
- Ability to work independently and with other volunteers.
- Ability to perform physical labor for duration of shift, use stepladder, and lift and/or pull up to 50-75 pounds. Barn chores are physically demanding. We cannot alter or eliminate tasks to fit an individual’s capabilities.
- This role requires the ability to work outside in all weather conditions, on uneven terrain.
- The ability to remain aware of your surroundings, and use good judgment with animals of all sizes.
- Applicants must be able to adhere to rules regarding infectious disease quarantine and other important safety matters.
- Reliability and punctuality are key!
- For the safety of volunteers, staff, and our animals, as well as guests on our property, we are unable to accommodate request for alterations to these qualities/skills. This includes but is not limited to requests for frequent breaks, or altering the ability to lift/push/pull/carry 50-75 lbs.
- Proficiency in using a computer without assistance, and learning new programs. All volunteers digitally log hours and use an online scheduling function.
Requirements:
- Previous experience with barn chores is preferred but not required for the 8am-11am shift. Please provide a detailed description of your experience in your application.
- Attendance at a virtual orientation after acceptance into our program.
Other:
- Reliable transportation is required. Applicants for the barn should have a license and their own vehicle, and live within a reasonable commute to Methuen. (30 minutes or less is suggested.) Exceptions to having a current driver’s license can only be made for those age 16, with parental confirmation of transportation. If you do not meet this criteria, we have roles which are less strict regarding transportation and request you instead apply to one of those.
- As we head into the colder months, prospective volunteers should keep in mind that animals need care no matter the weather. Barn volunteers are expected to own weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.
Time Commitment:
- A weekly 3 hour shift (8am-11am) on a set day.
- Days currently accepting applications are Tuesday and Friday.
- Minimum of 6 consecutive months, after onboarding. Longer commitments encouraged!
Click Here to Apply Please note, due to the nature of this volunteer position, applicants must meet all criteria and demonstrate such on their application. For the safety of staff, volunteers, and our animals, only applications meeting all criteria will be considered.
