Volunteer Role Description
Animal Husbandry Assistant
Organisation: Nillumbik Shire Council
Location: Edendale, 30 Gastons Road, Eltham
Centre Coordinator: Kathy Shackleton
Supervisors: Stephen Laurence, Jo Skuse, Joel Watson, Liana Peck
Time Commitment: Either 8.30 – 10.30am or 3.30– 5pm once a week
Trial Period: One month from commencement, or 4 sessions
Purpose: Edendale is an environmental education centre for people of all ages. The farm animals
on site are involved in many of the programs on offer. This volunteer role is to assist in the health
and welfare of the farm animals.
Volunteer Duties:
 preparing feed and feeding the farm livestock, poultry, guinea pigs and compost worms
 maintaining clean water dispensers
 morning or afternoon poultry chores
 milking goats (seasonal)
 cleaning animal cages or pens
 maintaining a safe, clean and tidy workplace
Once adequate training has been provided it will be expected that the volunteer will be able to
complete routine tasks without direct supervision (although the supervisor will still be on site)
Skills, interest or experience for the role:
 some experience with animals would be an advantage, and a willingness to learn more
 an understanding of occupational health and safety in the workplace.
 commitment, enthusiasm and responsibility
 able to communicate with staff on activities performed or completed
 able to recognize when they need help and to be comfortable to seek help or advice
 able to understand and follow directions and complete tasks accordingly
 able to perform physical tasks
 willingness to get the job done and an eye for detail
 an interest in working with members of the community
 able to work alone or as part of a team
Volunteer Benefit:
 access to training, information and resources in regard to caring for farm animals, farm
sustainability and environmental issues
 this experience is a valuable addition to the volunteers resume
 working in a desirable outdoor location
 invitation to attend volunteer celebration events
 working in a team with different staff members and members of the community
EDENDALE RECEPTION:- 9433 3711
edendale@nillumbik.vic.gov.au