Animal Care Specialist/Floater

ABOUT US

The Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County is looking for new members to join our team! We have been operating since 1963 and have an average live release rate of 97%. The health and wellbeing of the animals that come into our care is of our utmost importance.

Job Summary:
Do you love animals and want to care for them? Join our team as a part time Animal Care Specialist/Floater at the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County. The purpose of this position is to care for all incoming animals and animals currently in the shelter while assisting with behavior assessments, health, vaccinating, de-worming, and performing other related treatments as needed. This vital position is essential to our operations and we are seeking self-motivated, dependable team players to join us. This position has opportunities for advancement and growth.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide high-quality care to animals in the shelter to maintain a healthy and humane environment for animals, team members, and visitors. This includes but is not limited to:

• Feeding, watering, walking, monitoring, medicating, and providing enrichment
• Disinfecting shelter areas, animal areas, enclosures, and equipment
• Observing animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease, and discontent. Report signs of illness, disease, injury, unusual conditions, or abnormal behavior of any shelter animal immediately to management
• Handle adoption appointments - introduce adoptable dogs and cats to potential families. Supervise dog interactions to assess successful integration into families with existing dogs
• Assist with the day to day chores of the shelter. This may include but is not limited to unpacking and stocking of shelter supplies, laundry, dishes, taking out the garbage, performing general cleaning of shelter areas
• Work with animals who may be ill, injured, stressed, and/or reactive
• Build collaborative, respectful relationships with colleagues and volunteers
• Maintain composure and professionalism in stressful situations
• Utilize safe, humane, low-stress animal handling skills
• Assist in administering vaccinations and medications as needed
• Provide animal enrichment and socialization
• Answer questions from phone calls, voicemails, or emails, and wait on walk-in citizens, providing general information and Animal Welfare League policies and procedures. Greet visitors, show animals, maintain computer records, and answer complaints
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Basic computer skills required

Education and Experience:
- Proven experience in Animal care or related field. Knowledge of Animal Shelter Operations is preferred
- Familiarity with Veterinary practices and procedures. Prior professional shelter or veterinary experience performing work comparable to this position is highly desirable. Must be able to identify a sick or unhealthy animal as early as possible to prevent widespread sickness in the shelter.
- Knowledge of Animal husbandry principles. Ability to humanely handle animals of all sizes and under various circumstances. Ability to follow proper procedures and use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency.
- Experience in Dog handling and Dog training is preferred.
-High school diploma or GED equivalent

-Must be at least 18 years old

Join our team as an Animal Care Specialist/Floater and make a difference in the lives of animals every day. If you are passionate about animal welfare and possess the required skills, we encourage you to apply.

We offer competitive compensation, opportunities for growth, and a supportive work environment.

Requirements:
- Certification or degree in a relevant field is advantageous.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to work well in a team environment.
- Attention to detail and strong observational skills.

- Requires work involving standing, walking, gripping or feeling with hands, reaching with hands and arms, stooping and kneeling, crouching or crawling, sitting, climbing or balancing, talking, and hearing

If you are ready to contribute your expertise to our mission of providing top-notch care for animals, apply now!

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $14.00 - $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16 – 32 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Animal care: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Punta Gorda, FL 33980 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Punta Gorda, FL 33980: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person