Employment Status: Full-time or On-Call
Location: Salem, Oregon
Schedule: 4 days / 10 hour shifts / 1 weekend day will be required (Saturday or Sunday)
Compensation: $20.00-$22.00 hourly
Benefits: Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, PTO, Paid Federal Holidays, 401k
Who We Are:
The Asher House is a registered nonprofit sanctuary that advocates for the welfare, protection, and dignity of all animals. Our organization provides rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and a lifelong sanctuary for animals in need, with a commitment to end animal suffering and promote humane treatment. Through community education, advocacy, and hands-on care, we work toward a more compassionate world for animals.
Job Description:
As a Companion Animal Caretaker, you will play a crucial role in the care and well-being of animals, and their behavioral health and enrichment. Your responsibilities will include being able to assess, monitor, and enhance the behavioral aspects of companion animals under your care, as well as providing daily care for the animals. Working closely with a team of animal care professionals, you will implement behavior management plans and enrichment activities to ensure the physical and mental health of the animals and be responsible for the general caretaking of the animals.
This position requires much of the time to be spent outdoors and the desire to be part of a team setting.
Please read the full job description and required qualifications. Only candidates that meet all criteria will be considered for the position.
Responsibilities
Daily care includes:
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Feeding, watering, medicating, exercising, and providing daily enrichment.
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Clean and sanitize animal housing areas.
- Monitor animal health for signs of illness, or unusual behavior. Make notation and report any problems regarding health and behavior of the animals to the appropriate staff to ensure the necessary medical appointments and follow ups are made.
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Follow proper protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and highest quality of care for the animals, including animals that may be in insolation and quarantine.
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Prompt communication around animal supply levels/inventory and work with staff to ensure that the necessary amount and type of equipment/supplies are always organized and maintained on the premises.
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Assist in loading and unloading animal supplies at the sanctuary.
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Ensure animals are always supervised.
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Monitor play groups and ensure dogs are safely playing and engaging with one another.
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Ensure animals are in secured areas of the sanctuary when visitors arrive to the property for the sake of safety to both animals and people.
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Act as a responsible and compassionate representative of The Asher House at all times.
Behavior Assessment:
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Conduct behavioral assessments of animals to identify specific needs, challenges, and opportunities for enrichment.
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Develop a comprehensive understanding of each animal's behavioral profile.
Enrichment Planning and Implementation:
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Design and implement behavior enrichment programs tailored to the individual needs and species-specific behaviors of animals.
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Create and introduce a variety of stimulating activities, toys, and environmental enhancements to promote natural behaviors.
Training and Positive Reinforcement:
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Utilize positive reinforcement techniques to train animals in cooperation with veterinary procedures, handling, and basic commands.
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Collaborate with staff to address and modify undesirable behaviors through positive reinforcement and behavior modification plans.
Documentation and Reporting:
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Maintain detailed records of behavioral observations, interventions, and progress for each animal.
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Communicate behavioral changes, challenges, and improvements to relevant team members.
Collaboration and Communication:
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Work closely with staff members to develop and implement cohesive care plans.
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Stay current on best practices in animal welfare.
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Other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
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1-2 years experience working with dogs (REQUIRED)
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Strong knowledge of animal behavior and positive reinforcement techniques.
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Excellent observational and analytical skills.
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Effective communication and collaboration skills.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Physical fitness and agility to work in various environments and handle animals safely.
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A valid driver's license and a driving record free of major violations are required. Final job offer is contingent upon successful review and approval of driving history.
The Asher House is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law.
