What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Specialist position at Lee County Government?
Are you passionate about animal welfare and eager to make a real difference in the lives of animals and their future owners? We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to join our team at the Lee County Domestic Animal Services.
In this highly responsible role, you will engage in a variety of tasks to ensure the well-being of our furry friends and support the community. This position involves animal handling, ensuring wellness, daily cleaning, customer service, performing administrative tasks, and other essential shelter duties.
What We're Looking For:We seek a candidate who possesses a positive, team-minded attitude and strong communication skills, both written and verbal. The ability to communicate effectively with teammates and management is crucial. You should have excellent observational skills, a strong work ethic, and the capability to prioritize multiple responsibilities effectively. Flexibility is essential to thrive in our dynamic, fast-paced environment.
If you love being active, this role is perfect for you. Be prepared to be on your feet for most of the day.
Customer Service: Assist and educate customers throughout the pet adoption process. Inform them about proper pet care, owner responsibilities, various pet breeds, characteristics, licensing, and County ordinance requirements. Resolve customer complaints or concerns with fair, independent judgment while adhering to state statutes and local ordinances.
Animal Intake and Care: Handle the intake and transfer of all animals, including fractious/feral ones, with proper safety techniques. Care for animals by cleaning, grooming, and feeding them. Disinfect cages, toys, and bowls. Work with fearful and aggressive animals and assess their behavior and temperament for adoption.
Administrative Tasks: Investigate pet owner information, verify data accuracy in the department database, and schedule sterilization appointments. Maintain knowledge of zoonotic diseases, vaccinate animals upon intake, perform diagnostic tests, enter medical information into computer software, and transport animals to clinics and rescues. Perform euthanasia as necessary for disease and population control.
Lost Pet Assistance: Help customers with lost pets, match pets with potential adopters, and recognize animal breeds, age, and characteristics to ensure proper intake. Identify behavioral and medical health concerns for stray and owned animals upon intake.
Training and Mentorship: Train new staff in job functions such as animal handling, vaccinating, and database use.
Administrative Support: Handle cash, perform data entry for citation compliance, advise customers on proper procedures, and organize, store, and file pertinent documents. Issue pet licenses and manage related tasks.
- High School diploma or GED equivalent.
- Preferably, experience in animal handling.
- Florida State Certification in Euthanasia (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire). The Animal Services department provides training and certification on-site.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Daily computer use is required.
- Ability to lift up to 80 pounds, bend, stoop, lift, and crawl as needed for handling and transporting animals, equipment, and supplies.
- Hours vary between 7:00 am - 5:30 pm with rotating days off. This position may require working on holidays, emergencies, and additional shifts as needed.
Salary : $17
