Animal Caretaker
Animal Services
FLSA: N
Grade:10
JOB SUMMARY
This position provides care for animals in the Lincoln County Animal Shelter and customer service to the public.
MAJOR DUTIES
- Feeds, waters, and cares for shelter animals.
- Cleans animal areas and shelter premises.
- Provides animal enrichment and socialization.
- Monitors the health and well-being of shelter animals.
- Transports animals to veterinary appointments and adoption events.
- Provides customer service to adopters and completes adoptions.
- Answers telephone and greets visitors; provides information and assistance.
- Completes forms and maintains records.
- Records and accepts receipts and accounts for fees.
- Maintains supply inventory.
- Cleans sewer trap and maintains drains.
- Disinfects kennels when animals are removed.
- Cleans water and food bowls.
- Receives animals entering the shelter and completes basic veterinary medical procedures.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
- Knowledge of the symptoms of animal diseases.
- Knowledge of animal care principles.
- Knowledge of state and local animal ordinances.
- Skill the vaccination of domestic animals.
- Skill in the safe handling of domestic animals.
- Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.
- Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Animal Shelter Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include local ordinances and county and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
- The work consists of related duties in the care of animals. Dealing with aggressive animals contributes to the complexity of the position.
- The purpose of this position is to provide care for animals in the animal shelter. Successful performance contributes to the health and proper care of animals.
CONTACTS
- Contacts are typically with co-workers, other county employees, veterinarians, veterinary support staff, volunteers, and members of the general public.
- Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
- The work is typically performed in an animal shelter and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and potentially dangerous animals. The employee uses protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
- Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
- Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
