Shelter Groomer

Title: Shelter Groomer

Departments: Animal Care

This position reports to: Animal Care Manager

Purpose of Position: Provides for the health of the shelters animals skin and coat to enhance their comfort and adoptability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, and does not alter the “at‐will” relationship.

• Bathing and professional grooming for all shelter animals including dogs, cats, and critters.
• Properly use and clean various grooming equipment such as clippers, scissors, dryers, etc.
• Work under the direction of the shelter veterinarians to perform medicated baths and/or grooms.
• Accurately log number of animals groomed daily/monthly and report to Animal Care Manager.
• Humane and safe animal handling according the Nebraska Humane Society’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• General cleaning including, but not limited to laundry, and dishes.
• While handling animals, must report any behavior or medical observations that could compromise the welfare of the animal.
• Carry out proper grooming room closing procedures as defined in the Standard Operating Procedures before the end of shift.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications: Education, Experience, Certification, and Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Required

• High school Diploma or GED
• One (1) year of high volume animal grooming experience.
• Previous experience in an animal welfare agency such as a vet office, animal shelter, etc.
• Display affection and compassion for animals and concern for their welfare
• Must adhere to highest ethical standards: possess trustworthiness, exercise maturity and sound judgment while maintaining a professional manner and personal appearance.
• Be comfortable and skilled working with a culturally diverse staff and community.
• Must be considerate, respectful and display a helpful demeanor to all employees, volunteers, and customers.
• Must be able to work cordially, safely and efficiently in fast-paced, stressful conditions.
• Must possess the ability to cope with loss of animal life from illness, injury and euthanasia.
• Must exhibit the organization core values of compassion for all animals, respect and dignity for all, strive for excellence, and teamwork.
• Ability to safely and humanely handle animals
• Ability to respectfully give and receive feedback
• Ability to work independently and part of a team.
• Ability to work in close proximity of others.
• Ability to work around all types of animals without allergic reaction.
• Ability to be self-directed and self-motivated.
• Ability to be flexible and resilient in ever changing conditions.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Desired

• Previous experience using an animal sheltering computer program such as Chameleon.
• Familiarity with Microsoft operating systems and computer literate in Microsoft office.
• Prefer training and/or experience in grooming a variety of breeds of dogs, including use of a variety of grooming equipment such as clippers for shaving, scissors, nail clippers, etc.

Work Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions within the work environment.

• Minimum 40 hours per week; will routine exceed 40 hours during a majority of the year. Evening and weekend hours may be necessary in the event of an emergency, staffing shortages or a special event.
• The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet, though barking or whining of animals may be escalated at certain times in certain areas of the building.
• High exposure to animals whose reactions to the shelter environment cannot be predicted.
• Temperatures in the shelter environment are varied, though usually moderate, and dependent on the season.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work around animals without severe allergic reactions.