Livestock & Poultry Assistant

Site: Coverdale Farm Preserve

Schedule:  Varied Schedule, some weekends required

Date: February 12, 2025

Founded in 1964, the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) is a state-wide, non-profit organization that aspires to be inclusive and multicultural, celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity in nature and people. Our mission is to connect people and nature to create a healthy environment for all, through education, conservation, and advocacy. DelNature delivers hands-on environmental education and conservation programs at four sites: Ashland Nature Center (HQ), in Hockessin, DE; DuPont Environmental Education Center, in Wilmington, DE; Coverdale Farm Preserve, in Greenville, DE; and Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, in Milford, DE. At these and other sites, we also manage over 2,000 acres of land, including four nature preserves. DelNature is a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. We envision Delaware as a place where people view themselves as part of nature and understand that nature is essential for life; recognize the immediacy of addressing environmental issues; and take pride and joy in caring for the natural world. 

The Poultry and Livestock Assistant is responsible for the daily care, which includes but not limited to providing food, water, maintaining shelters, observation/examination to ensure good health of the small herd of cattle, goats, sheep, and flock of 400 laying hens; 100 turkeys and other animals that may become part of the farm. On a daily basis, the Poultry and Livestock Assistant is also responsible for collecting, washing, and packaging chicken eggs by adhering to health and safety procedures. This position may also occasionally deliver our eggs to local markets, as needed.

This position reports to: Coverdale Farm Preserve Director/Farm Manager and CFP Program Manager

• Provide daily care for animals – including but not limited to feeding, watering, and general daily care
• Observe and/or examine animals to ensure animals remain healthy and happy.
• Clean stalls, sheds, barns and equipment as needed.
• Administer medication to animals as needed and instructed by supervisor
• Report any concerns or problem to supervisor.
• Work and communicate with core Farm Staff.
• Help to maintain a clean safe environment for the public to visit.
• Ensure all DelNature policies and procedures, including health and safety protocols, are implemented, and always enforced. 
• Promote & support DelNature’s mission, values, goals, activities, and membership to a wide array of audiences.
• Perform other duties as requested by supervisor or leadership staff.

This is a part time position which can include weekday and weekend mornings and afternoons. Schedule done monthly basis

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and be able to carry, move and setup necessary supplies and equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• Ability to work, plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings, weather, and terrains.

Starting hourly rate - $15/hr.

• Commitment to and passion for the mission of Delaware Nature Society.
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50lbs.
• Ability to work independently and take and follow directions carefully.
• Ability to always interact in a positive and professional manner.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors under all weather conditions and terrains.
• Must possess the following traits and skills: Flexibility, dependability, critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills, work as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn new skills and share knowledge with others.
• Valid Driver’s License.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY – Delaware Nature Society considers candidates for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable federal, state & local laws.