Position Animal Attendant Location Tomago, NSW (Newcastle / Hunter Region) Type Part-time / Casual Award SCHADS Award — Level 1 Reports To Practice Principal / Site Manager Hours Weekdays & weekends as rostered. Penalty rates apply. About The Stable Place A nature-based therapeutic service on a working hobby farm supporting NDIS participants and mental health consumers. We provide psychology, behaviour support, and social/community participation programs alongside our resident horses, goats, and farm animals. About the Role Responsible for daily care, welfare, and management of all on-site animals — horses, goats, poultry, and other farm animals. Hands-on and physical, requiring confidence and experience around animals, particularly horses. You’ll work alongside clinical teams to keep animals healthy, well-handled, and safe for therapeutic programs. Key Responsibilities Animal Care & Welfare • Feed, water, and monitor all animals per established care plans • Maintain clean, safe enclosures, stables, and paddocks • Observe and report illness, injury, or behavioural changes • Handle, groom, and prepare horses for therapeutic activities • Manage pasture rotation, hay storage, and feed supplies • Administer basic first aid; assist with veterinary visits Facility, Grounds & Program Support • Maintain fencing, gates, troughs, and farm infrastructure • Keep common areas clean and safe for participants and staff • Prepare animals for participant interactions under clinical guidance • Support therapy assistants during animal-assisted activities • Follow all WHS policies; report hazards and incidents; use PPE Inherent Physical Requirements This role has significant physical demands that cannot be modified: • Sustained manual labour: shovelling, raking, carrying, pushing/pulling • Lift and carry up to 20 kg regularly (hay bales, feed bags, buckets) • Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching at all levels • Stand/walk on uneven terrain for extended periods in all weather • Safely handle and restrain large animals including horses • Climb fences; access areas without level or sealed surfaces Pre-employment fitness screening may be required. Selection Criteria Essential • Sound knowledge of animal health, nutrition, and welfare • Physical fitness to meet the inherent requirements described • Reliable, self-motivated; works independently and in a team • Current WWCC and NDIS Worker Screening Check (or willingness to obtain) • Current driver’s licence Desirable • Demonstrated experience in animal husbandry or farm animal care • Confidence and competence handling horses (leading, grooming, ground work) • Cert III in Animal Studies, Equine Studies, Agriculture, or related • Experience with horses in therapeutic, educational, or equestrian settings • Experience in or alongside disability / NDIS-funded services • Understanding of trauma-informed practice • Current First Aid and CPR (or willingness to obtain) Remuneration SCHADS Award Level 1 (effective 1 July 2025): Rate Type Per Hour Base rate (permanent) $24.10 Casual rate (incl. 25% loading) $30.13 Saturday penalty (1.5x) $36.15 Sunday penalty (1.75x) $42.18 Public Holiday penalty (2.5x) $60.25 Evening 8pm–12am (1.15x) $27.72 Super paid at current legislated rate in addition. Rates subject to annual Fair Work review. How to Apply Submit your resume and a brief cover letter addressing the selection criteria to: admin@stableplace.com.au For enquiries, visit www.stableplace.com.au The Stable Place is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.