Animal Caregiver

UPPER PENINSULA ANIMAL WELFARE SHELTER
POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Animal Caregiver
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt / Hourly $12.00 per hour
LOCATION: Marquette County
REPORTS TO: Shelter Manager

POSITION SUMMARY: The Animal Caregiver position is responsible for the day-to-day care and well being of all animals being housed within the shelter.

EDUCATIONAL AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
One (1) year experience in animal care, handling, or training preferred. Experience in an animal shelter or animal welfare setting is preferred. Must be able to carry out the essential duties, functions and responsibilities of the position. Basic communication and interpersonal skills in handling interactions with staff and visitors. Ability to read, write, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to follow safety procedures to avoid creation of hazards and contamination of oneself, staff and visitors. Must be able to use a variety of cleaning agents and solutions to clean a variety of stains and bacteria utilizing basic cleaning equipment.
Possess a valid driver’s license and be deemed an acceptable risk by the insurance carrier.

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Practical knowledge of animal welfare program systems and practices. Must possess care and compassion towards animals, ability to perform job duties and follow directions with minimal supervision, tolerance for high level of noise and odors, ability to work as a part of team, and good public relations skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following, in addition to other related duties that may be assigned by the Shelter Manager:

 Responsible for feeding, providing fresh water, bathing, and providing any required specialized care for sheltered animals, treating all animals with the dignity and respect they deserve.

 Clean and maintain all animal areas, including inside and outside, following proper procedures.

 Observe behavioral changes and health conditions regularly to avoid any illness, diseases and injuries. Provide medications or special diets as needed or as directed.

 Assist potential adopters in the selection and the adoption process for pets, including any required meets between potential adopters and animals, such as dog meet-and- greets.

 Assist Supervisors or Vet Assistant with admission exams or administering medications.

 Maintain animal supplies and ensure all are appropriately stocked. Notify supervisor immediately of any supply shortages or if equipment is unusable or in need of replacement.

 Use positive training methods when working with sheltered dogs, cats and small animals, and promote these methods with the public.

 Maintain confidentiality of shelter records and information.

 Report all incidents and maintain any necessary reports or records.

 Ensure compliance and adherence to all UPAWS policies and procedures and applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations, including safety guidelines in place to safeguard staff, animals, facilities and UPAWS reputation.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Working hours vary depending on scheduling of programs and often include evenings, weekends, and holidays in addition to daytime hours. Must be able to tolerate loud working conditions and strong odors. This position may be exposed to certain health risks that are inherent when working within an animal shelter facility. This position requires exposure to outside environment. When performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, talk and hear. The employee must be physically able to lift and/or move heavy objects, often up to 50 pounds.

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS USED: Janitorial, office, UPAWS vehicle, cameras, animal handling gear, safety glasses, rubber gloves, hose and disinfectant mixing spray attachment, chemical disinfectants and cleaners, shovels, mops, buckets, snow scoop, squeegee, scrub brushes, ladder, brooms, scissors, rakes, wheelbarrow, washing machine and dryer, animal crates, aquariums, spray bottles, bleach and other disinfectants, window cleaner, soaps, shampoos, towels, pet food, old clothing/bedding, cat litter, wood shavings, hay straw, newspaper, water bottles leashes and collars, and other supplies/materials as instructed by Supervisor.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $12.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12