Part-Time Barn Support

Organization Overview

The Mel Jr. & Marty Zajac Foundation is a not-for-profit organization based in Vancouver, BC, dedicated to supporting children, seniors, and individuals with special needs through innovative community projects that foster lifelong skills, independence, and connection.

Our current major focus is Zajac Ranch, a fully accessible camp located on over 40 acres of pristine forested land on the shores of Stave Lake in Mission, BC, approximately one hour east of Vancouver. During the summer, Zajac Ranch provides camp experiences for children and young adults with chronic, life-threatening, and/or debilitating conditions. During the off-season, the Ranch welcomes school groups, community groups, retreats, weddings, and private rentals. Revenue generated from site rentals helps support Zajac Ranch's medical summer camp programs.

Reporting To: Barn Manager
Direct Reports: None
Position Type: Part-Time, Hourly
Compensation: $21.00 per hour, commensurate with experience

Location: Zajac Ranch, Mission, BC

Schedule: Up to three days per week, based on operational needs, generally consisting of two weekend days and one weekday. Additional shifts may be available depending on the number of horses onsite, seasonal requirements, staff coverage, and operational needs.

Position Summary

The Part-Time Barn Support person assists with the day-to-day care of horses and other barn animals at Zajac Ranch, including goats, sheep, and chickens, and supports the safe, clean, and efficient operation of the barn and surrounding animal areas.

This is a hands-on position suited to someone who is comfortable and experienced working around horses and enjoys practical animal-care work. Under the direction of the Barn Manager, the Part-Time Barn Support person assists with feeding, turnout, stall cleaning, horse care and exercise, barn and paddock upkeep, general animal observation, and other routine barn duties.

The role supports the Barn Manager in maintaining the health, well-being, cleanliness, and safety of the Ranch's animals and animal-care areas. The position may also assist with other Ranch operations as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Feed horses and other assigned barn animals according to established feeding schedules and instructions.
• Assist with turnout of horses and ensure animals are handled safely and appropriately.
• Clean stalls, pens, paddocks, and other assigned animal areas.
• Replace bedding, refill water, and help maintain clean and sanitary animal spaces.
• Sweep and maintain barn aisles, tack areas, feed areas, and surrounding workspaces.
• Assist with basic grooming, routine horse care, and exercising horses as directed and within the scope of assigned duties, training, and experience.
• Assist with the routine care of other barn animals, including goats, sheep, and chickens, according to established care instructions.
• Observe horses and other animals for changes in behaviour, appetite, mobility, condition, or general well-being and promptly report concerns to the Barn Manager or General Manager.
• Follow established instructions related to animal diets, medications, treatments, or special-care requirements where applicable and where appropriately trained.
• Help maintain safe, organized storage of feed, bedding, tack, tools, and barn supplies.
• Assist with receiving, moving, and organizing feed, bedding, and other barn supplies.
• Support general maintenance and cleanliness of fences, gates, corrals, turnout areas, and barn equipment by identifying and reporting concerns.
• Follow all established animal-care procedures, safety protocols, and Ranch policies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and respectful environment for animals, staff, campers, volunteers, and visitors.
• Assist with horse and animal-program preparation when required.
• Support other barn-related duties and general Ranch operations as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Minimum 1 year experience working safely and confidently with horses is required.
• Ability to complete routine horse-care duties including feeding, turnout, stall cleaning, grooming, exercising horses as directed, and general barn maintenance.
• Comfortable working independently while following established care instructions and procedures.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to consistently attend scheduled shifts, including required weekend shifts.
• Ability to recognize basic changes in horse behaviour or condition and communicate concerns promptly.
• Comfortable working outdoors in a range of seasonal weather conditions.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work associated with barn and animal care.
• Reliable transportation to and from Zajac Ranch due to its rural location.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Ability to successfully complete a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

Considered an Asset

• Experience working with other farm or petting-zoo animals.
• Experience in a working barn, equestrian facility, farm, camp, or similar environment.
• Equine First Aid, horsemanship, animal-care, or related training.
• Experience supporting children, youth, or recreational programs involving animals.

Skills & Competencies

• Comfortable and confident working around horses.
• Strong awareness of animal behaviour and safe handling practices.
• Dependable and able to follow established routines consistently.
• Good communication skills and willingness to report concerns promptly.
• Strong attention to cleanliness, safety, and animal welfare.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible and willing to respond to changing animal-care and operational needs.
• Respectful, positive, and collaborative approach to working with colleagues and Ranch guests.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to complete hands-on physical tasks.

Health & Safety

• Follow all WorkSafeBC requirements, Zajac Ranch policies, and established barn and animal-care procedures.
• Handle animals only within the scope of assigned duties, training, and experience.
• Use barn equipment, tools, gates, fencing, and supplies safely and appropriately.
• Report animal-health concerns, hazards, unsafe conditions, injuries, equipment issues, or facility concerns promptly.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment where required.
• Contribute to a safe environment for animals, staff, campers, volunteers, visitors, and rental groups.

Physical Requirements

The position involves regular physical activity and outdoor work. The successful candidate must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, crouch, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive barn-care tasks.
• Safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs., including feed, bedding, buckets, tools, and other barn supplies appropriate to assigned duties.
• Work on uneven outdoor terrain and in barn, paddock, and pasture environments.
• Work outdoors in varying seasonal weather conditions.

Work Environment

• Work takes place onsite at Zajac Ranch in Mission, BC.
• Additional shifts may become available depending on the number of horses onsite, seasonal requirements, staff coverage, and operational needs.
• Hours may include mornings, daytime shifts, and other animal-care periods depending on feeding and care requirements.
• Reliable transportation is required because Zajac Ranch is located in a rural area.

Why Join Zajac Ranch?

The Part-Time Barn Support plays an important role in ensuring that the animals at Zajac Ranch receive consistent, thoughtful care and that the barn remains safe, clean, and welcoming. This position is well suited to someone who enjoys hands-on work with horses, values animal welfare, and would like to contribute to the broader mission of Zajac Ranch.

Commitment to the Zajac Ranch Mission

All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to the mission of Zajac Ranch: providing life-changing camp experiences for children and young adults with complex medical conditions and disabilities.