What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Technician- Part Time position at Alaqua Animal Refuge, Inc.?
POSITION PURPOSE
The role of the Animal Care Technician (ACT) is to provide shelter, safety, and second chances to animals in need. A successful ACT conducts proper care of the animal’s physical and emotional needs enabling them to feel safe, heal, and connect with empathetic humans while waiting for their forever home.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Clean and sanitize living areas, replace linens and toys, wash and sterilize food bowls to ensure their temporary home is welcoming
Assist in maintaining refuge to uphold sanitation, safety and operations
Assist in animal enrichment by following detailed training plan as administered by Behavioral & Enrichment Manager
Feed animals while managing a proper diet as prescribed by Veterinarian
Observe, record, and report medical or behavioral concerns
Unpack, label and stock shelter supplies and donations
Maintain proper identification and location records of animals
Assist with the administration of medications or with restraint
Assist in conducting educational Meet N' Greets with potential adopters
Maintain equipment used to complete job assignments
Train and work with Volunteers to ensure consistency with animal training practices
Conduct morning volunteer huddles with volunteer team during each shift. Supervise volunteers in proper handling, safety procedures, and best practices
Work environment
The work environment is outdoors therefore temperatures are decided by mother nature. Noise levels are minimal but are dependent of the animal. Work is primarily outside where dust, hay and other allergens exist. Handling of excitable dogs, feral cats, large pigs, horses, sick contagious animals, and injured species is common. Upon employment, all employees are required to fully comply with Alaqua Animal Refuge management rules and regulations for safe and effective operation.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Must have valid Driver's License
• Must be able to work standing for 8 hours
- Must be comfortable educating the public regarding animal care and rights
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly
• Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly
• Must have good hearing including ability to distinguish changes in pitch
• Must have reasonable degree of agility to move through tightly cramped areas in various situations
Emotional/Mental Requirements
• Must be able to work under stressful conditions work efficiently and effectively
• Ability to rapidly and accurately process information
• Ability to delegate tasks
• Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help
• Ability to work independently and as part of team
• Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm
- Knowledge of common diseases, their symptoms and means of transmission, administration of oral medications, assessment of change in animal status.
