Sutton’s Southern Pet Retreat (SSPR) is looking to hire a Kennel Technician &/or Daycare Attendant who has full-time availability (average 30–40 hours weekly, occasional overtime) any day of the week. Experience required. Working 2-3 full weekends per month, including Sundays and some holidays, is required for this position; more weekends and additional shifts may be possible if desired.
Kennel Technicians are responsible for the day-to-day quality care of pets within the facility (for clients, staff, rescue & sometimes owners). This job includes feeding, watering, cleaning, walking, medicating, & monitoring the well-being of pets under our care. This position may also include care & exercise of dogs attending doggie daycare. Applicant should be physically able to handle large dogs; must be willing and able to work with all domestic species (dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, etc.) at any facility as needed to meet the needs of the business (West Columbia, Irmo & Lexington, SC). Irmo is the primary focus for this position.
REQUIREMENTS
· Experience in a fast-paced environment, schedule availability & transportation are required
· Reliable mobile phone with HomeBase® app & text capabilities helpful for safety on the job & communication between team members
· Minimum age requirement is 18 years old, ability to work full time, holidays, any day of the week including weekends, mornings, afternoons, & a variety of schedules from one week to the next
· Shifts run 7:30am – about 12pm (or 2pm if half day), 2pm – about 6pm, 6pm – about 9pm (until job is completed)
· Good physical, mental & emotional strength, dexterity, mobility, weather tolerance, noise tolerance, & stamina to lift &/or move heavy pets, pet supplies & objects routinely
· Confidence & skills to administer medications helpful (oral, injectable, otic, ophthalmic, etc.), insulin, bathe pets, express anal glands, clean ears, & administer wound care - not required, can be taught by owners (former vet techs)
· Positive & professional attitude, dedicated & hard worker, strong work ethic & attention to details, good communication skills, excellent customer service skills and phone etiquette
· Ability to work well in a team environment & independently, multi-task, in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a patient & professional demeanor, excellent time management, punctuality & attendance reliability
· Ability & willingness to learn new skills, follow instructions, eagerness to provide education to clients when needed, basic understanding of veterinary care needed for pets helpful, but not required (vaccines, dewormers, nutrition, parasite prevention, etc.)
· Able to provide gentle, loving & compassionate care for pets, follow safety protocols and common sense, good understanding of pet behaviors, & training styles (clients utilize many types)
· Time-off requests must be submitted 2 weeks or more in advance via HomeBase®, employee is expected to work scheduled shifts or find coverage via HomeBase® (shift-trade) if needed, doctor’s work excuse required for absenteeism due to illness
· Comfortable enough to work at night, independently, & responsible enough to secure the facility prior to leaving for the evening
REPORTS TO
Owners, Facilities Manager, Assistant Facility Managers, Assistant Managers
PAY & BENEFITS
$10.00-$14.00/hour, tip-sharing, bonuses (discretionary); based on experience; positive 6-month review required for permanent position. Permanent full-time position receives discounted grooming and boarding services. Company t-shirts provided once training is successfully completed. Standard SC & Federal W-4 forms, Federal I-9 form, copy of driver’s license, copy of social security card, and SSPR Direct Deposit form are required to be submitted day one of employment.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Good verbal, written and math skills, able to follow detailed instructions, computer experience a plus
WORKING CONDITIONS
Employee will be exposed to harsh weather at times; water routinely; pollens; grass hays; variety of animal species; unpleasant odors; loud noises; organic matter; pet colognes, shampoos & other grooming products; cleaning, anti-parasitic & disinfectant chemicals; fractious pets who may bite or scratch; and zoonotic diseases. Job requires lifting and carrying animals, pet supplies, crates, food & litter bags (can be assisted by other staff members if lifting over 40 lbs.), routine walking, standing, crawling, climbing, crouching, bending for extended periods or time. Emotions can run high when working with pets (clients & coworkers alike). Employee may experience unpleasant or upset customers at times, but overall we are blessed with a wonderful customer base. Professionalism & good customer service is required at all times, however, abusive clients will not be tolerated.
WORK ATTIRE
Mask may be required at times for employee & team safety, gloves, aprons, uniforms, protective eyewear, quality closed toe & back shoes & rain boots (ideal), rain jacket or poncho (ideal), comfortable & durable professional clothing (shorts, shirts, pants – T-shirts & yoga pants or scrubs work well) that wick moisture, layering clothes & back-up clothing suggested.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $10.00 - $14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
