What are the responsibilities and job description for the Canine Caretaker position at Paws for Purple Hearts?
SCOPE OF WORK
Paws for Purple Hearts staff train top-notch service dogs and provide canine-assisted therapy to help wounded Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members. We are great at what we do, however, we are not custodians. That's where you come in. We need someone who loves to keep things clean, neat, tidy and orderly. Also, someone who loves dogs and cats. The Canine Caretaker is responsible for providing the cleaning and maintenance of the kennels, dog exercise yards, cat areas, and all related equipment and the facility in general. The Canine Caretaker also provides basic care for our dogs and cats.
This position is responsible for providing quality care to our dogs and cats housed at the Paws for Purple Hearts facility in San Antonio, TX as well as performing general custodial tasks.
Essential Duties
Sanitation/Maintenance
- Clean and disinfect kennels, crates, equipment, exercise runs, training areas and grounds and other facility areas as needed using approved cleaning tools and methods.
- Report maintenance problems or repairs to Paws for Purple Hearts staff.
- Perform custodial tasks within facility as needed.
Dog and Cat Feeding
- Appropriate feeding including, but not limited to preparation and dispensing of food to kennel dogs, puppies and cats, including special diet feedings, as directed by Paws for Purple Hearts staff.
- Knowledge of specific diet needs and the preparation of special diets.
- Awareness of signs that indicate a change of diet may be required.
Dog and Cat Care
Provide quality care and a safe environment to kenneled dogs, puppies and cats including, but not limited to:
- Reporting a dog, puppy or cat in distress.
- Medicating by administering oral medications under direction of supervisor.
- Grooming, including bathing.
- Record keeping of dogs in kennels.
- Exercise and socialize dogs and puppies.
- Follow Paws for Purple Hearts training and handling methods and procedures; provide Paws for Purple Hearts approved behavioral corrections as needed.
Inventory
- Monitor and inventory kennel supplies and replenish as needed.
- Report needed supplies to Paws for Purple Hearts staff.
Administration
- Possible interaction with volunteers, the public and the Warriors we serve.
- Use effective communication.
- Close facility and kennels at the end of shift in coordination with Paws for Purple Hearts staff.
General Characteristics
- Ability to perform several tasks concurrently, time management and good organizational and communication skills.
- Self-starter able to complete tasks independently with minimal direct oversight.
- Reliable and responsible.
- Familiarity with dog training and behavior, animal health and disability awareness and sensitivity.
- Ability to lift 40 lbs.
- Ability to work standing or walking on cement for up to two hours at a time.
- Ability to withstand up to two hours of repetitive bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting.
- Ability to restrain active dogs weighing up to 90 lbs.
- Ability to work weekday and weekend shifts.
- Ability to complete necessary paperwork and meet deadlines.
- Flexible with schedule changes.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this work successfully, the kennel custodian must be able to perform each essential task satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the law.
Education and/or Experience
- Prior dog and cat handling, training and veterinary care experience strongly preferred.
This position will be classified as an independent contractor and is not eligible for PPH employee benefits. It is a part-time position and will report directly to the assigned supervisor.
Job Types: Part-time
Pay: $12.00 - $14.00 per hour
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- San Antonio, TX 78249: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $12.00 - $14.00 per hour
Shift:
- Morning shift
- Night shift
Work Days:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Shift availability:
- Night Shift (Preferred)
- Day Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- San Antonio, TX 78249 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- San Antonio, TX 78249: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $12 - $14