Animal Care Attendant I, (B272931-5), 203, Animal Control

City of Laredo•Laredo, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Attendant I provides basic care and sanitation for animals housed at the City of Laredo shelter. The role’s primary responsibility is thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting shelter kennels in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The attendant also feeds animals, monitors their health and behavior, maintains accurate feeding records, and reports concerns to appropriate staff. Work includes safely handling animals with varied temperaments, sanitizing and inspecting equipment, walking dogs, and assisting the public during the adoption process. The attendant may support other facility areas, public services, emergencies, special events, or staffing needs, and is required to drive a City vehicle for City business. Other duties may be assigned. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid Texas Driver License, and presentation of proof of a TB test or screening before employment. Experience in animal welfare handling is preferred. Applicants with education completed outside the United States must provide an evaluation verifying U.S. equivalency from a qualifying credential evaluation agency. Candidates offered employment must complete a background check and provide certified school transcripts; selected applicants must also undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to random drug and alcohol testing. Work takes place in a range of environments, most often outdoors, on streets near moving traffic, and in indoor or vehicle settings. The role involves frequent exposure to communicable diseases, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic substances, and loud noise, as well as occasional exposure to extreme heat and cold. Physical demands include exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly. The City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid Texas Driver License; an applicant with an out-of-state license must obtain a Texas license within six months of employment.
Proof of a TB test or screening must be presented before employment.
Ability to follow veterinary instructions and shelter SOPs for animal feeding, handling, restraint, sanitation, and safety.
Ability to recognize animal health indicators and signs of stress, fear, or aggression, and report findings to supervisors or veterinary staff.
Ability to accurately measure food portions and maintain records of feeding schedules, dietary changes, observations, and food intake.
Ability to safely handle and walk animals of varying sizes, strengths, and temperaments, using approved techniques and safety equipment.
Ability to maintain physical stamina, strength, coordination, and agility for strenuous work and repeated dog walks; the position requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds constantly.
Ability to understand chemical handling and safety requirements, including dilution, labeling, storage, and disposal of cleaning agents.
Ability to build effective working relationships, communicate clearly in writing and orally in English and orally in Spanish, follow directions, and maintain planning and organizational skills.
Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
Ability to comply with City of Laredo policies and procedures and maintain sufficient health and physical condition to perform the job.
Applicants offered employment must complete a background check and provide certified school transcripts; selected applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Safety-sensitive employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Applicants whose education was completed outside the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation from a NACES- or AICE-member agency verifying U.S. equivalency.

Nice To Haves

Experience in animal welfare handling.

Responsibilities

Thoroughly clean and disinfect shelter kennels in accordance with established SOPs.
Observe animals’ appearance, posture, health, and behavior; report signs of illness, injury, stress, or discomfort to appropriate staff.
Select and provide suitable food portions based on an animal’s species, age, weight, medical conditions, activity level, and dietary requirements.
Maintain feeding records, monitor food intake, and report changes in appetite or feeding behavior.
Safely control, handle, and restrain animals using approved techniques and safety equipment; seek supervisory or veterinary assistance when needed.
Clean, disinfect, inspect, maintain, store, and dispose of equipment and tools used in kennel operations; report damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
Walk dogs multiple times throughout the day, following their individual temperament, exercise needs, and medical or behavioral considerations.
Assist the public throughout the adoption process.
Assist in other facility areas and support changing operational priorities, emergencies, special events, staffing shortages, or public services as needed.
Drive a City vehicle for City business use.
Perform other duties as assigned.