Animal Care Associate

Description

East Bay SPCA (EBSPCA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. We strive to eliminate animal cruelty, neglect, and overpopulation by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. EBSPCA is one of the nation’s oldest humane organizations, in operation since 1874, and receives no funding from any national organizations. You can find more information about EBSPCA on our website at www.eastbayspca.org.

The Animal Care Associate (ACA) is responsible for providing excellent care for the dogs and cats in our shelter and excellent customer service for our clients. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, thorough cleaning of animal enclosures, work areas and public spaces; preparing and distributing animal diets; and ongoing monitoring of the health and behavior of dogs and cats in our care.

Category: Full time; Non-exempt

Location: Oakland, CA

Reports to: Animal Care Lead and Shelter Supervisor/Shelter Manager

Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Life insurance; 10 paid holidays; 401K retirement plan with 3% contribution; discounted veterinary care; and more

Qualifications

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform routine, daily, animal care tasks (diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, potty breaking, basic enrichment, etc.) for all shelter animals.
• Ensure the general upkeep of all animal and shelter workspaces are maintained, including but not limited to: cleaning litter boxes, animal crates, washing dishes, laundry, maintaining food storage areas, and outdoor dog areas.
• Perform daily housekeeping of public areas, including but not limited to: washing windows, dusting, sweeping, and mopping.
• Observe and document dog and cat behavior and health concerns and report to appropriate staff.
• Maintain animal records (paper and electronic) in an organized, systematic manner.
• Assist with taking photos of the adoptable animals and writing individual, public, profiles.
• Acknowledge and greet customers, volunteers, and foster parents in a professional, friendly, and timely fashion.
• Assist with training animal care and shelter care volunteers.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Implement marketing efforts for the Oakland adoption center, including but not limited to promotion of programs and services to visitors, participation in special events, and soliciting donations.
• Inform and educate customers on responsible pet ownership, general animal care and welfare within the scope of East Bay SPCA training.
• In cooperation with Customer Care Associates, introduce customers to animals that are available for adoption and facilitate adoption matches between people and animals.
• Assists with other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Animal care knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms, and handling techniques.
• Experience working with animals. Experience in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic desirable.
• Proven organization skills, as well as clear and effective communication skills with coworkers and others.
• Ability to think critically, multi-task, and succeed in an fast paced, emotionally charged environment with a positive attitude while fostering empathy with clients and coworkers.
• Reliable transportation required. A valid CA driver’s license and evidence of insurability desired.
• Treats all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job.
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with Shelter Buddy shelter software program advantageous.
• Multilingual fluency advantageous.
• Pre-employment background check and drug screening clearance required.
• High school graduate or equivalent.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an animal shelter environment with exposure to detergents, cleaning products, wet and humid environments, and seasonal outdoor conditions.
• Must be competent handling dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, and temperaments. Requires the ability to leash, walk, and maintain control over large and extra-large dogs, which can include dogs 90 pounds and over.
• Weekend work required; must be available to work evenings, holidays, and occasional overtime as needed.
• Animal contacts and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur. May occasionally handle sick, injured, or deceased pets.
• Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations.
• Animal waste contact, smells, and visual exposure are prevalent.
• May be able to lift 50 pounds on a frequent basis and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to push and/or pull over 50 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, and stooping.
• Eligible and approved drivers may transfer animals between all East Bay SPCA campuses and offsite locations (fleet vehicle provided or mileage reimbursement if using personal vehicle).

Salary : $21 - $22