Animal Care Associate

Maricopa County • Phoenix, AZ

23h • $19 - $33 • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Associate provides daily care and support for shelter dogs, maintaining a clean and caring kennel environment and advocating for the health, safety, and welfare of animals and people in Maricopa County. The role is based on campus at a Maricopa County Animal Care Center and is customer-facing for all hours worked. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, and assignments may be at the West or East Valley Animal Care Centers or another shelter location based on operational needs.

Requirements

• Six months of experience working with animals in a veterinary hospital, humane society, or other animal facility.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Flexibility to work all shifts, including shifts starting as early as 6 AM and ending as late as 7 PM; weekends and holidays are required, and days off may vary based on department needs.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat and cold.
• Must complete department-required animal handling training within 30 days of hire.
• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and stoop for up to 8 hours per shift; reach, push, and pull objects; and maintain stamina during fast-paced shifts.
• Ability to exert 50–100 lbs. occasionally, 10–25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10–20 lbs. constantly.

Nice To Haves

• Six months of in-person customer service work experience.
• Six months of kennel cleaning experience.
• Hands-on experience working with canines of all sizes.
• Experience working in high temperatures.

Responsibilities

• Clean indoor and outdoor dog kennels by removing animal waste, scrubbing and sanitizing walls and floors, and replacing soiled animal beds while meeting productivity and time expectations.
• Restock essential supplies and keep kennel areas clean, organized, and prepared.
• Provide appropriate food and water, perform general shelter housekeeping, and ensure medical and behavior concerns are documented and addressed within the set time.
• Conduct daily shelter welfare rounds, assist with animal movement, and record and address concerns following standard protocols.
• Maintain shelter areas throughout the day; keep supply areas stocked and clean; maintain tools and equipment in good working order; and report broken items promptly.
• Update animal records and enter data, ensuring kennel cards, medical records, behavior records, and other animal information are accurate and updated throughout the shelter stay.
• Follow feeding, handling, and care policies and expectations within the guidelines of the five domains of animal welfare, using positive reinforcement training and fear-free methods.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement.
• Exceptional work-life balance.
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County.
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for the employee and qualifying dependents.
• Child care benefits, including access to the Maricopa County Kids Club.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave.
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive.
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring an 11.98% per-paycheck contribution and including a 100% employer match on Day 1.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED