Senior Animal Care Specialist

Work Location:  Bishop Animal Shelter, 5718 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, FL  34209

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.

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.

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.  

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.

Salary : $20 - $29