What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Animal Care Specialist position at Manatee County, FL?
Salary : $20.48 - $28.67 Hourly
Location : Bradenton, FL
Job Type : Full-Time (Hourly)
Job Number : 24-00848
Department : Community & Veterans Services
Opening Date : 12 / 31 / 2024
Closing Date : 3 / 4 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Eastern
General Information
Work Location : Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34209
Work Hours : Tuesday - Saturday, 8 : 00 am - 5 : 00 pm
Plays a direct role in achieving Manatee County's no-kill mission and goal by providing hands-on care for animals in the shelter, working with internal departments to find those animals homes wherever possible, and serving as ambassadors for county residents, volunteers, and adopters who visit the shelter. Contributes to the health, wellbeing, and general care of dogs and cats. Plays a unique role as the direct day-to-day connector between the animals in our care and our residents.
Working Conditions
Primarily animal shelter or outdoor field environment. Regularly performs moderately strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions, including rain, extreme heat and humidity, and long exposure to sunlight. Daily exposure to dogs, cats, and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status. High noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting and carrying equipment up to 50 pounds alone and up to 100 pounds with assistance. Periodically required to drive county vehicles as part of the duties of the job. Able to climb and descend equipment and ladders. Able to bend, stoop, crawl, and reach. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. Periodic high stress situations that may involve angry or frustrated citizens. Regularly required to work other than normal business hours including nights, holidays, and weekends.
Job Description
Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Oversee daily operations during assigned shifts, ensuring all activities are carried out efficiently and effectively.
Manage staff schedules, delegate tasks, and provide guidance to team members.
Assist in supervising training and implementation of cleaning and sanitizing procedures for kennels and cages, including supplies management and inventory control.
Serve as the primary point of contact for customer service inquiries, ensuring professional and prompt handling of all interactions.
Deliver excellent, non-judgmental customer service to all visitors, adopters, fosters, and transfer partners in a friendly, informative, and professional manner.
Respond to customer service inbox and provide information about services provided by the facility.
Support Front Desk functions, including processing adoptions, licenses, money handling, and providing good customer service.
Assist in the development and refinement of protocols and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and animal care standards.
Collaborate with management to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices.
Comprehensive understanding of animal behavior and medical care to effectively manage the diverse needs of animals in the facility.
Identify behavioral issues and share observations with team members and leaders. Follow behavior or training plans developed for specific animals.
Support animals with medical issues, which may include zoonotic disease, by medicating, treating, preparing special diets, observing, and reporting, and assisting in the maintenance of required records.
Oversee the intake process, ensuring all animals are properly assessed and documented.
Conduct initial medical evaluations, administer vaccinations, and coordinate with veterinary staff for further care as needed.
Ensure accurate and detailed record-keeping for all animals, including intake forms, medical records, and daily care logs.
Follow policies, procedures, and task lists for daily lifesaving outcome assignments, including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, and recordkeeping.
Performs other related work (including weather or extreme emergency duties) as required.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong desire to work with animals.
Two (2) Year experience as an Animal Care Specialist in animal shelter environment.
Willingness to be certified in Euthanasia.
Valid driver's license required with valid Florida driver's license required within 30 days of hire.
More
Previous work with an animal shelter or similar organization required.
Previous customer service experience desired.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
Able to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions and complete tasks within assigned timeframes. Able to resolve routine situations and problems.
Basic knowledge and understanding of open adoption processes.
Ability to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle dogs, including those with health and / or behavior conditions / concerns including shyness, fearfulness, and aggression; ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs.
Basic knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.
Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to be able to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, adopters, volunteers, and other stakeholders. Able to engage professionally during challenging conversations and accurately educate the public.
Capable of working under close supervision.
Full Comprehensive Knowledge on Chameleon or an equivalent shelter software. This includes adoptions, intakes, licensing, and lost / found reports.
Strong understanding of animal behavior and can handle behaviorally challenged animals with guidance of the Behavior Manager.
Follows behavior management protocols developed by the Behavior Manager and can educate fosters, adopters, and other staff members on those plans.
Strong understanding of Medical Care and common illnesses seen in animal shelters and can administer vaccines and complete intake exams.
Veterans Preference
In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.
EEO / ADA Statement
Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.
Drug-Free Workplace
Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.
Emergency Response / Recovery Activities
All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
Full Time Positions
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) :
- ComPsych- offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work / life balance support.
- LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
- Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.
Wellbeing Benefits :
Miscellaneous Benefits :
Paid Time Off :
Vacation Award : Applies to employees regulary sceduled to work 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week.
Years of Service Vacation Days
0-5 16.25 days
6-10 19.50 days
11 22.75 days
Insurance :
Retirement :
Career Wellness :
Education Benefits :
Flexible Spending Account :
Permanent Part Time - Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) :
Miscellaneous Benefits :
Paid Time Off :
per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on
a pro-rated basis
VERY IMPORTANT - When answering supplemental questions about experience, education or certification, please be sure the information is reflected in the Education, Work Experience and Certificates and Licenses sections of your application.
Must include Monthly Salary, Name of Employer, Location, Phone Number and Duties for each employer in Work Experience.
Note : "See Resume" is not acceptable.
Identify all gaps not related to medical reasons.
If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, please check category of eligibility
Which level of education have you achieved?
How many years of experience do you have as an Animal Care Specialist in an animal shelter environment?
Are you willing to be certified in Euthanasia?
If you do not possess a valid Florida driver's license, do you understand that you MUST obtain one within 30 days of hire?
Required Question
Salary : $20 - $29
