Animal Center Assistant

Animal Center Assistant

Located in Hershey, PA, Milton Hershey School (MHS) is a top-notch home and school where over 2,000 pre-K through 12th grade students from disadvantaged backgrounds are provided with an extraordinary cost-free, career-focused education. This is made possible by the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey, who established the school in 1909 and ensured it was fully endowed. Thanks to that foresight and generosity, the school has over 12,000 graduates and is expanding to serve more students.

MHS is seeking a full-time Animal Center Assistant to support its Agricultural and Environmental Education (AEE) program. This role blends hands-on animal care with educational programming, helping students to experience agriculture through classroom instruction, extracurriculars, and work experiences. MHS’s AEE program includes cows, horses, goats, sheep, and rabbits. This position pays between $22.33 to $29.81 per hour and includes an excellent benefits package. Pay is determined based on experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with staff to design and deliver animal science and agricultural lessons

• Support instruction for students from Pre-K to 12th grade

• Care for animals including sheep, goats, cattle, horses, rabbits, and other small animals

• Operate and maintain farm equipment (tractors, skid loaders, mowers, etc.)

• Maintain barns, fields, gardens, and other facilities

• Assist with crop-related tasks and seasonal planting

• Build relationships with veterinarians, colleges, and agricultural organizations

• Lead student clubs and supervise internships (e.g., 4-H, summer programs)

• 
  High school diploma or GED required, bachelor’s in agriculture or animal science a plus

• Experience working with children and youth in educational settings a plus

• Passion for agriculture and environmental education

• Skilled in animal husbandry, feeding, and administering medications

• Experience with agricultural equipment and facility maintenance

• Ability to collaborate with veterinarians to ensure animal welfare

• Pesticide license is a plus

• Valid driver’s license with a clean record

• Strong communication and multitasking skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions

• High integrity and commitment to being a positive role model

• Eager to actively engage with students beyond the scope of the job responsibilities.