Animal Care Technician

REPORTS TO: Animal Care Supervisor
LOCATION: PVAS Locations as needed

POSITION OVERVIEW

Animal Care Technicians are responsible for proper husbandry care of all dogs upon intake, including feeding, watering, record keeping and the cleanliness of cages, runs and kennel areas. In addition, the kennel staff also is responsible for the cleanliness of the shelter, play grounds, around and throughout the kennel areas.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

AGE REQUIREMENT

• Minimum age requirement is 16 years old.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• High school degree or in the process of attaining.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Animal care background is desirable, but not required.
• Customer service experience is desirable, but not required

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.
• Can work unaffected in an environment where dogs are barking.
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays to be considered for an animal care attendant position.
• Ability to work in an animal care facility where euthanasia is performed.
• Ability to work independent of supervision and meet deadlines.
• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals and food bags (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.

• Working conditions: May be exposed to extreme weather conditions, unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces for extended periods of time. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provides compassionate care to patients.
• Receives animals that have been transferred to property, prepares them for pairing, placement and is responsible for their proper identification and for recording their respective locations.

• Releases surgery animals to their owners as directed by the doctor; ensures that every animal released has identifying paperwork and pet medical records

• Has the ability to communicate with potential adopters and make them feel comfortable with adding a new pet to their family.

• Can follow a regular schedule for cleaning and sanitizing all cages, runs, wards and related areas; changes litter boxes and food/water bowls.

• Can feed each animal according to policy.
• Understands the importance of prioritizing tasks and keeps oneself busy and productive during work shifts.
• Can maintain laundry for the shelter
• Responsible for cat to cat and dog to dog introductions, behavior observations and creating open kennel space for the Animal Care and Movement Team.
• Can notate and report any signs of unusual conditions or physical concerns to the clinic department.
• Can notate and report any abnormal or inappropriate behavior problems.
• Can give shelter tours while highlighting features, services and programs that differentiate us from other.
• Can recognize and report any unusual condition or abnormal behavior.
• Can assist families searching for lost pet or families adopting the right pet.
• Can administer booster vaccines, monthly parasite prevention and microchips.
• Can properly restrain pets for revaccinations, microchip placement and examinations.
• Understands and carries out the weekly and monthly chore list to maintain the shelter cleanliness, the equipment, and overall appearance of the shelter.
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions.

Teamwork/Attitude

• Attend weekly staff meetings and others as necessary.
• Work closely within a team and other departments to support the mission of Palm Valley Animal Society.

Communication

• Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.
• Can deal intelligibly, pleasantly and efficiently with visitors, often doing several things at one time.
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.

Area Maintenance

• Can maintain a professional appearance of your work space shelter areas through daily cleaning and organization.
• Cleans equipment and facilities only using approved cleaners and supplies; understands the importance of safety and disinfection protocol in the shelter.
• Maintain inventory and request orders of Animal Care supplies as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Must pass a mandatory drug screen prior to employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person