Animal Care Specialist

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them. The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community. We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.

This position is responsible for care and welfare of shelter animals. Clean kennels and cages. Feed and medicate animals. Provide enrichment and engagement for dogs and cats. Assist visitors, volunteers, adopters and fosters in finding available animals. Answer questions when asked about the health and behavior of animals.

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties. Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

· Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives

Build Community

Be Compassionate

Be Exceptional Stewards

Take Responsibility

Be Courageous

Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

· Provide excellent customer service to visitors and volunteers.

· Properly clean and disinfect stainless steel dog and cat cages and dog kennels.

· Properly feed and water dogs, cats and other animals based on age, size, weight and condition.

· Provide assistance to visitors looking for a lost pet.

· Notify kennel supervisors or veterinary personnel of sick or pregnant animals.

· Safely and properly handle all animals including bite quarantine animals, vicious animals and feral cats.

· Assist with enrichment activities – play groups, treat distribution, dog walking and socializing in play yards.

· Process dogs, cats and other animals during intake to include entering data correctly in animal management software, vaccinating animals, deworming animals, taking pictures, scanning animals for chips and looking for ID tags.

· Update animal management software when an animal’s status has changed or if it is moved to a new location.

· Euthanize animals or assisting with euthanasia.

· Take specimens of rabies suspect animals.

· Transport sick or injured animals to offsite veterinarians or outreach events as needed.

· Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

· Excellent customer service skills.

· Knowledge of general animal care principles and practices.

· Ability to stand for extended periods (at least 8 hours a day) and to bend and reach to perform assigned work activities.

· Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. without assistance.

· Ability to interact with impounded dogs, cats and other animals including vicious, stray, sick or injured animals. Ability to handle seeing and dealing with animals that have been abused, neglected or treated cruelly.

· Ability to understand and follow a variety of oral and written instructions/procedures.

· Ability to learn animal management software system and accurately enter information into the software system.

· Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.

· Must be available to work on weekends.

· Must pass background check.

· Must like animals!

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent. One years’ experience in animal related field preferred.

Language Skills:

Must be able to read and interpret kennel policy guidelines and policies and procedures. Must be able to communicate effectively to kennel visitors and provide good customer services skills.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

· Certification in euthanasia may be required.

· Valid, Georgia Drivers license may be required.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to a kennel that is not air-conditioned and may be exposed to unpleasant kennel smells. May have to handle dogs and cats that are stray, injured, diseased or vicious.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Were you referred to this position by a current LifeLine employee?

Experience:

• Kennel: 2 years (Required)
• Dog handling: 2 years (Required)
• Animal care: 2 years (Required)
• Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)
• Teamwork: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16