JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Animal Care Technician/ Shelter Assist
Department:
Shelter
Job Classification:
FT Time- Hourly; Non-Exempt Position
Job Relationships:
Reports to Animal Care Supervisor
This position represents Pets Lifeline in a professional and courteous manner and provides quality client service and animal care. This position requires attention to detail, learning a wide range of policies and procedures and ensuring the environment is clean and welcoming for the animals.
Animal Care Technicians are responsible for the feeding, cleaning, and basic care of shelter dogs and cats. This is a hands-on animal care position and requires early mornings and/or evenings..
This position requires attention to detail, excellent time management skills, the ability to problem solve, the ability to work independently, and requires excellent communication skills with other members of the staff, volunteers, and the general public.
* Please note all aspects of this position require specific Pets Lifeline training.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Clean animal habitats thoroughly with as little disruption as possible to the animals.
- Ensure that all cages are deep cleaned, rooms are swept and tidy, and supplies are stocked appropriately.
- Check and maintain supply levels.
- Observe animals for any signs of illness or abnormal behaviors and report to the Animal Care Manager.
- Learn and utilize considerate approach and safe restraint methods for animals.
- Perform daily animal enrichment activities.
- Handle animals with safety of employees, the public, and the animal in mind.
- Interface with all department managers with respect to Shelter Operations within Pets Lifeline.
- Quality control of all procedures involving Animal Care.
- Follow and maintain procedures according to Pets Lifeline policy.
- Update the Animal Care Manager on all areas daily.
- Opening and/or closing duties of the shelter.
- Provide information to the public about Pets Lifeline programs and promote good animal care and responsible pet ownership.
- Protect all confidential information, including customers, donors, animals and internal communications.
- Ensure that all animals within the facility are treated with patience and respect, and practice proper animal handling.
- Check emails consistently and return communications promptly
- Represent Pets Lifeline in a professional manner by providing excellent customer service, patience, and focus with members of the public, volunteers, and staff
- Additional tasks as assigned by the Manager.
- Report to work at assigned start time, go to/return from lunch at assigned times
- Follow the mission and core values of Pets Lifeline
- Working knowledge of breeds, common diseases, medical conditions, animal handling, and behavior
- Knowledge of Pets Lifeline’s policies and procedures.
- Ability to create and sustain positive working relationships within Pets Lifeline, being patient and courteous with volunteers, the public, and co-workers
- Must remain courteous and patient while under stressful conditions
- Refrain from judgment of individuals and circumstances in difficult situations, being courteous and patient at all times
- Must be able to prioritize duties and perform multiple tasks efficiently with good judgment and organizational skills
- Participate in disaster preparedness and response activities for the shelter and community as it pertains to pet animal-related needs.
- Responsible for keeping relevant work areas clean and organized.
- Attend and participate in departmental and shelter meetings. Attend educational training as recommended/approved.
- Report and correct any safety hazards or unsafe use of PLL equipment.
- Must be Fear Free certified, or become once hired.
Job Qualifications:
Education/Experience: Minimum of some high school or equivalent; Animal Care experience required , Must have a work permit, if necessary for legal employment
Knowledge: Knowledge of animal care, behavior, and handling
Skills: Effective verbal communication skills; Able to prioritize duties and perform multiple tasks; Able to work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment; Strong communication skills including effective conflict management; Problem solving skills a must; Ability to learn, retain and communicate a wide variety of information; Detail oriented; Must be reliable and good time management.. Animals will be depending on you.
Abilities: Able to work with animals; Able to work with disinfectants and cleaning supplies; Able to perform physical work; Able to lift 40 lbs, stand for long periods, bend and reach; Able to be flexible and willing to perform any necessary tasks within the shelter
Working Conditions:
Work Environment: Work performed in animal shelter setting; Potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases and cleaning chemicals; Potential for exposure to dangerous and fractious animals; Potential exposure to high noise levels when in kennel area; Potential for animal bites and scratches while handling animals.
Physical Activities: Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds; Potential for standing on feet for 8 hours a day
You will not, at any time, directly or indirectly, use or disclose any of Pets Lifeline’s confidential information except as authorized and within the scope of your employment with Pets Lifeline.
This job description is not designed to encompass all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the individual. Other duties than those listed herein may be assigned.
Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Animal handling: 1 year (Preferred)
- kennel assistant: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Sonoma, CA 95476 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Sonoma, CA 95476: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
