Ensures the health and safety of dogs in Animal Resource Center’s care through extensive use of problem solving, prevention, and disease mitigation strategies to keep pets and people safe. Advanced level in animal care requiring knowledge of custodial care applicable to animals in order to safely care for sheltered animals. Understands and interprets animal body language; demonstrates safe animal handling and restraint techniques. Performs routine and thorough documentation of care provided, behavioral observations, health concerns, and other related care.
Under direction of Shelter Supervisor, serves as lead worker over lower-level animal care providers, provides work direction, assigns tasks, and coordinates daily activities.
Performs tasks of animal care providers (e.g., provides care for sheltered animals, cleans and disinfects cages, selects animals for adoption, assists veterinarians with examinations, administers vaccines and medications to animals, performs euthanasia of injured, sick and un-adoptable animals by established and approved methods.) Demonstrates advanced familiarity with pet retention, rehoming, behavioral training, veterinary care, and other resources to connect pets in need. Applies extensive use of judgement to make sound and safe decisions. Gathers information, assesses the situation, and provides the appropriate service(s).
Assists in the training of new staff members and represents organization to the public (e.g., media liaison, educates public about humane treatment of animals, conducts facility tours). Remains empathetic and non-judgmental in all interactions with community members, uses de-escalation techniques and persuasive communication to assist clients, makes daily equipment inspections and reports equipment malfunctions to shelter supervisor, monitors safety requirements and regulations.
Requires working knowledge of Ohio law regarding domestic animals, dog licensing, and dog control. Enters and retrieves information on computer (e.g., animal records), assists in general office operations (e.g., answers phones, provides information to public regarding licensing and dog control requirements), and operates portable two-way radio and uses various equipment to locate information (e.g., microfiche, computer terminal), maintains kennel inventory control.
(Performs Related Duties as Required)
Completion of high school diploma; ability to read and write common vocabulary, six (6) months of animal care provider and/or other relevant experience; OR alternative, equivalent evidence of the minimum class requirements.
Driving Requirement:
Must maintain a current valid United States driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Training and Development:
Must have Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET) certification and ASP Baton Certification. Must maintain certifications and licensure.
