What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Technician position at Franklin County Government?
General Statement of Duties
An employee in this class performs a variety of duties associated with the care and maintenance of the animal shelter. The animal shelter is extremely busy with lots of hands-on animal care in addition to providing excellent customer service to the general public. Responsibilities include processing incoming animals, data entry, animal examinations, vaccinations and treatments as determined by a veterinarian. Work requires that the employee keeps animal containment areas clean and sanitized; maintains the facility grounds; and ensures the safety and health of animals within the facility. The employee feeds and cares for the animals housed in the shelter but must also euthanize animals on an as-needed basis. Work also requires the employee to maintain supplies, equipment, and necessary records. The employee is subject to hazards associated with animals and animal care including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as atmospheric conditions, noise, vibration, vicious animals, and physical conditions. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Animal Services Manager and is evaluated through observation and review of reports.
Duties and Responsibilities/Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Performs animal care duties such as preparing food, feeding, and providing water.
cleaning and disinfecting kennel and cages; washing litter, food pans and laundry; sweeping and mopping floors; picking up fecal material; washing and sweeping debris from walls, beds, kick plates, and dog run areas.
Works with the Animal Shelter Attendant to determine if animals can be placed for adoption, also works with the public on animal adoptions and redemptions; works with animal rescues to obtain maximum live outcome dispositions of unadoptable animals with health or mild temperament issues.
Monitors sick, quarantined, and injured animals and observes them for unusual physical and behavioral conditions; segregate animals to minimize fights; segregates and isolates animals to control the spread of disease.
Participates in the humane euthanasia, using State approved methods, of dangerous, sick, or surplus animals.
Assists in preparing rabies specimens and insures the timely delivery to the laboratory for testing.
Maintains shelter facility; cleans windows and restrooms, makes minor repairs; checks gates and locks for security purposes and reports any safety or liability concerns to the Animal Care Lead Technician or Animal Services Manager.
Maintains the inventory of facility supplies.
Maintains appropriate records; answers general inquiries concerning adoption of pets and lost and found animals.
Additional Job Duties
Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of the operations, functions, procedures, and legal processes of the animal shelter.
Knowledge of breeds of animals to aid in identification of lost pets and the aggressiveness of various breeds.
Knowledge and skills in controlling/handling individual animal temperament.
Ability to become certified as a Rabies Vaccinator and Euthanasia Technician within six months of obtaining this position.
Knowledge of common diseases, their symptoms and means of transmission, administration of oral medications, assessment of change in animal status.
Ability to gain animal confidence when restraining them for transport, grooming and/or treatment.
Ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective public relations with the community.
Ability to deal constructively and tactfully with the public.
Ability to maintain accurate reports.
Desirable Education and Experience
High school diploma with some experience in caring for animals; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Other Information
Must possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license upon hire.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain North Carolina Euthanasia Certification (C.E.T) & Certified Rabies Vaccinator (C.R.V) certification within six months of hire.
Must be able to receive a series of rabies prophylactic vaccines within 3 months of hire.
Using State approved methods, must be willing and able to perform humane euthanasia of dangerous, sick, or surplus animals.
Please note: Application review for this position will begin on Thursday, 3/20/2025.
Franklin County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity. Benefit options include medical and dental insurance; elective supplemental insurance options such as short-term disability, vision, and voluntary term life; local government retirement; 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution (no employee match required); generous paid leave that includes 13 county-observed paid holidays per year; an employee wellness program inclusive of a county sponsored gym and an employee assistance program.
