Animal Care Specialist (Part-Time)

City of St. Joseph • St. Joseph, MO

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Cleans and maintains animal housing and animal care areas of the shelter. Assists in the feeding, care, and enrichment of shelter animals. Admits owner-surrendered animals and conducts redemptions of impounded animals and adoptions of shelter animals. Assists the veterinarian with medical procedures, including euthanasia. No supervisory or budgetary responsibilities.

Requirements

• Knowledge of animal-related diseases, various animal breeds, and animal behaviors.
• Skill in feeding, care, and handling of various species of animals.
• Skill in assisting with veterinary procedures, including vaccinations, blood draws, and euthanasia.
• Knowledge of cleaning and disinfection practices and operation of cleaning equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, community groups, and the public, including occasionally irate citizens.
• Skill in data entry and basic computer applications.
• Valid driver's license required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to obtain Missouri Animal Control Association (MACA) Humane Investigator Certification within eighteen (18) months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Clean, disinfect, and maintain animal housing, animal care rooms, and other areas where animal care and handling occur to provide a clean and safe living environment for shelter animals.
• Admit owner-surrendered animals, including conducting relinquishment interviews and animal assessments; process redemptions of impounded animals; and conduct adoptions, including adoption interviews and counseling.
• Track animal inventory and monitor shelter animals for medical or behavioral concerns.
• Administer preventive vaccinations and antiparasitic medications upon intake; perform wellness assessments on incoming shelter animals.
• Complete blood draws on dogs and cats to test for diseases such as heartworm and feline leukemia.
• Assist the veterinarian with medical exams, medical record keeping, euthanasia, surgery, and other procedures. Prepare rabies specimens for the State Laboratory.
• Maintain accurate records of shelter animals, including intake and outcomes (adoption, redemption, transfer, or euthanasia).
• Reconcile daily revenue reports.
• Issue legal notices, summons, and other documents as requested by Animal Control Officers.
• Communicate with rescues, satellite adoption facilities, and foster homes regarding animal care.
• Operate the incinerator in accordance with Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations.
• Deliver animals to veterinary appointments and other destinations as needed.
• Assist Senior Animal Care Specialists with programs as assigned.
• Participate in outreach and community events, including off-site adoption events and vaccine clinics.
• Provide daily enrichment for shelter animals as scheduled.
• Facilitate playgroups as scheduled
• Train and work with volunteers on-site.
• Report supply needs and building maintenance issues to a supervisor.
• Schedule veterinary appointments as needed.
• Relieve office staff during breaks and meals and assist in reception duties as assigned.
• Assist in giving tours to special visiting groups.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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