Animal Care Technician

This job is for 20-35 hours per week.

JOB SUMMARY


Responsible for maintaining proper disease control protocols, including cleaning of kennels/facility, laundry, providing care to the animals, and general maintenance of the facility. Essential jobs functions include, but arent limited to the following:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Thorough cleaning of all areas including dog kennels, cat areas, dishes, laundry, floors, etc., each day (following all disease control and safety protocols). Spot cleaning of all areas will be required throughout the day.
• Monitor the health of the animals daily, report health problems or conditions.
• Restock supplies when needed.
• Walk dogs.
• Maintain cleanliness of overall organization (keep yard scooped, take out trash, and spot clean throughout the day).
• Animal feeding, bathing, general care.
• Engagement and assistance to the public.
• Transport animals to vet appointments, events, or help on rescue transports.
• Socialize animals and assess general temperament of animals as we engage playgroups.
• Other duties assigned.
• Will be cross trained to fill in in different areas as needed such as events, office areas, medical/behavior team, adoption office, etc.
• Treat all animals and people humanely and compassionately, regardless of the situation.
• Help ensure we always provide a safe environment for all the animals and members of the public.
• Vehicle maintenance and yard maintenance.
• Vet trips when assigned.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Will be asked to communicate with the public daily in a professional manner. Good, clear communication, and customer services through both verbal and non-verbal forms. Must have ability to read and write (communication via email).
• Must be able to learn basic veterinary concepts such as vaccine protocols, deworming protocols, and information about diseases prevalent in animals.
• Must be able to stand or sit for 8 or more hours.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day.
• Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly.
• Must be able to work in potentially extreme environmental temperatures (we work inside and out).
• Must have good range of motion, have good vision, and possess good hand-eye coordination.
• Must be able to work under stressful situations and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions.
• Must be able to cope with varying degrees of injured animals and with euthanasia.
• Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm.
• There can be frequent interruptions and changing priorities based on incoming animals and general need.
• Ability to rapidly and accurately process information.
• Ability to recognize the need for assistance and ask for help.
• Ability to work independently and work as a team.
• Affection and compassion for animals, concern for their welfare, be comfortable working with animals of unknown disposition (health or behavior). Treat people with dignity and respect, contribute to effective teamwork.
• Ability to work with limited supervision, take initiative.
• Foster public relations beneficial to the shelter and its programs.
• Must have a valid Alabama Driver's License and must be able to be insured by our insurance carrier.

Animals need daily care, so applicant is required to work weekends and holidays (If needed). Do not apply if this is a problem. Can give up to 30 hours per week. Must be able to consistently arrive on time and work slated hours. Availability must be flexible.

POTENTIAL FOR PROLONGED EXPOSURE

• Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions, including but not limited to, dish soaps, laundry detergents, bleach, etc.
• Prolonged exposure to hydrogen peroxide.
• Prolonged exposure to various zoonotic diseases.

PREFERRED


Experience working in an animal shelter environment or veterinary clinic preferred. Customer service experience a plus. Candidate should be a highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a positive professional attitude.

WORK ENVIRONMENT


The offices and operations of an animal shelter can be high stress and very busy at times. This position can have a changing schedule based upon need. The schedule may require evening, weekend, holiday, and over-time work if necessary. Candidate must be flexible with schedule changes and short notice requests. Animals need daily care, so applicant is required to work weekends and holidays (If needed). Do not apply if this is a problem. Must be able to consistently arrive on time and work slated hours. Availability must be flexible.