To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements list below are representative of the knowledge, education, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain clean, sanitary, and safe animal housing areas, equipment, and facilities on a daily basis in accordance with shelter protocols.
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Clean and maintain canine, feline, and small animal living quarters to ensure the health, comfort, and well-being of animals in care.
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Handle, restrain, transport, and treat all species of animals in a humane, compassionate, and professional manner.
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Feed animals and administer medications as directed and in accordance with established procedures.
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Stock, clean, inspect, and monitor cleaning supplies, animal care equipment, food, and other materials necessary for daily shelter operations.
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Assist with cleaning and upkeep of shared shelter spaces, including but not limited to conference rooms, grooming areas, meet-and-greet rooms, break rooms, hallways, and storage areas.
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Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, stress, or unusual behavior and promptly report concerns to appropriate staff.
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Follow all shelter safety policies, procedures, and infection-control practices to maintain a safe environment for animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of animals, and safe use of cleaning chemicals and equipment.
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Maintain accurate records related to animal care, feeding, medications, and cleaning activities as required.
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Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and the public to support shelter operations and provide excellent customer service.
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Perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY
- Knowledge of cleaning and sanitation practices in an animal care, veterinary, or shelter environment.
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Knowledge of the safe handling, storage, and use of cleaning supplies and chemicals.
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Knowledge of proper animal handling, feeding, and medication administration techniques.
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Ability to recognize signs of illness, injury, stress, or behavioral concerns in animals.Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, infection-control protocols, and animal-related safety practices.
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Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and efficiently.
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Ability to work effectively as a supportive, collaborative member of a team.
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Ability to communicate professionally with staff, volunteers, and members of the public.
EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- High School diploma or GED.
- Minimum two years working experience in animal handling within shelter environment.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid Driver’s license preferred.
EQUIPMENT
Desktop computer and laptop, animal handling equipment, cleaning and sanitation tools/equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), shelter-related equipment & supplies
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, use hands and fingers, talk, and hear. The employee may frequently handle animals of various sizes, operate cleaning equipment, and perform repetitive motions. The employee must occasionally lift, carry, and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed primarily in an animal shelter environment. Employees are regularly exposed to animals, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, odors, allergens, and loud noises. The noise level is frequently high due to animal activity. Employees may be exposed to potentially unpredictable animal behavior and must follow established safety procedures at all times. The facility is smoke-free.
UNION AFFILIATION:
N/A
REQUIRED:
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Pre-Employment Drug Screen
- Employee Background Check
DISCLAIMER:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at-will employer.
Essential Duty: Uphold Core Values
All employees of the City of South Bend are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate the City's Core Values in their daily work, which are summarized below:
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Excellence – Deliver high-quality service and strive for continuous improvement.
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Accountability – Take ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
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Innovation – Seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
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Inclusion – Promote a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment.
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Empowerment – Support and encourage others to grow and succeed.
This duty is fundamental to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering exceptional public service. These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire our work every day.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity Statement
The City of South Bend is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or tolerate harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We value and celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees.
