ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN I
The Animal Care Technician I is responsible for the basic care and maintenance of the shelter animals and their living space. Our goal is to find a loving, permanent home for each of the animals in our care. Everything we do should be with that goal in mind. They are our guests until they find their home, they need to be treated with respect and kindness, shown as much attention, affection, and love as possible.
Animal Care
- Feed animals following specific guidelines. Ensure they have ample fresh water.
- Observe animals for any abnormalities or changes. Report findings to management.
- Use a slip leash to move them from their kennels to assigned areas making sure all animals are always secure and under your control.
- Socialize animals any time you are with them and as much as you possibly can.
- Treat all animals with patience and compassion.
- Bathe, groom, and brush animals as needed.
- When other duties are complete exercise animals in the play yard to maintain fitness and health and socialize with them to make them more adoptable.
- Will manage and care for both dogs and cats.
Cleaning
- Remove animal waste and debris from the kennels and cat cages.
- Clean and disinfect all kennels, cages, runs, related areas, and litterboxes with appropriate cleaners and disinfectants.
- Follow proper protocol handling, cleaning, and caring for animals that are ill.
- Wash and sanitize water and food bowls using appropriate cleaning products.
- Perform general cleaning of all areas in the shelter with appropriate cleaning products.
- Launder, fold, and stock clean lines in their designated locations.
- Scrub floors daily with correct disinfectants.
- Empty trash in all areas of the shelter and haul to trash bins daily. NO trash should be left in trash cans when you leave.
- Deep cleanings as needed.
- Remove all fecal material and debris from all pens, play areas, and shelter grounds.
- Unload, unpack, label, and stock shelter supplies.
- Spot cleaning of animals and public areas throughout the day. You see a mess clean it up, don’t wait to be asked to do it.
General information
- This position reports directly to the Shelter Manager.
- The responsibilities and schedule will be determined by the Shelter Manager based on the current workloads, staffing, and shelter needs.
- You must show up on time and when scheduled. Time off must be scheduled in advance.
- We are here 7 days week, including holidays, hours are 8 am to 5 pm, and rotating weekends off.
- Must be comfortable working with different sizes and breeds of dogs and cats with various behavior issues and temperaments.
- Able to multi-task, prioritize, and deal with a certain level of expected chaos, and be able to complete tasks in a timely manner.
- Work in an emotionally taxing field- a positive attitude and sense of humor are essential.
- Able to work with a team as well as independently, and in an ever-changing fast-paced environment.
- Average vision and hearing required.
- Able to work in a high noise environment, exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust animal feces, and other animal fluids, zoonotic diseases, bites, scratches, and high stress.
- Able to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear. Must occasionally lift and/or move items up to 50 pounds or a 150-pound dog.
- Must have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent. Must be 18 years or older.
- Previous experience working with animals in a professional setting; ranch, farm, animal shelter, grooming or boarding facility, dog training, doggy day care or animal welfare field preferred.
- Able to manage animals safely, effectively, and with compassion is essential.
- Willing to learn, must have an open mind to new ideas and techniques.
- Most of all, love, and compassion for all animals!
The ideal candidate is someone who understands that animal shelter work can be both rewarding and challenging. We are looking for an individual who treats every animal with kindness, dignity, and respect and who is committed to providing the highest standard of care.
If you are dedicated to animal welfare and want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of homeless pets, we encourage you to apply. (If you have previously applied and your qualifications or animal experience has not changed no need to reapply).
The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required for this position. Management reserves the right to revise the job duties or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience working with animals in a professional setting?
Experience:
- Animal care and handling: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
