About the position
Do you love animals? Do you have a drive to ensure that all animals have the care and respect they deserve? If the answer is yes, then we have a dynamic entry level position that may be right for you. This position is responsible for the daily cleaning, feeding, and enrichment of the animals in our shelter. Additionally, this position is asked to assist in the handling of animals for medical procedures and to provide assistance in showing animals to potential adopters. This is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of animals and gain experience in humane animal handling and care. This position’s starting pay is $15.00 per hour but is negotiable based on experience. Weekend work will be required; Saturday or Sunday availability is required.
Responsibilities
- Ensure that all animal areas are clean, sanitary and comfortable
- Clean animal enclosures every morning
- Feed, water, and groom animals on a daily basis, while monitoring the physical condition and behavior of each animal
- Under guidance of the Animal Care Manager, administer booster medications
- Provide affection and socialization to all animals on a regular basis, including walking dogs as needed
- Assist in showing animals to potential adopters and effectively communicating an animal’s behavior
- After appropriate training, assist with the examination and vaccination of animals entering the shelter
- After appropriate training, assist with the evaluation of the medical status of an animal to determine whether it is stable and can remain in the shelter
- Participate in dog playgroups as needed
- Assist in keeping the office areas where animals are housed neat and clean
- Communicate regularly with supervisors and coworkers to ensure that they are aware of any issues pertinent to their areas of responsibility
- Participate in staff meetings to share ideas and suggestions for improving animal care and the quality of the organization as a whole
- Ensure that paperwork and records are maintained accurately and that database information is updated
- Learn and use the descriptive identification used by AWLA, and develop a current working knowledge of all American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds and other commonly seen dog breeds, as well as commonly seen cat breeds
- Develop a basic working knowledge of the AWLA’s procedures, guidelines, and protocols for the safe handling of animals
- Understand and comprehend AWLA’s Animal Care Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Assist on an as needed basis with AWLA inventory and report necessary product orders
- Assist with the intake exams of stray, injured and owner-relinquished animals
- Accurately complete all animal intake paperwork
- Maintain accurate animal intake information in database
- Retrieve general voicemail messages and respond to calls and/or forward them to the appropriate department
Requirements
- 6 months of experience in working in an animal kennel environment
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy workplace environment
- Ability to accurately perform basic mathematical calculation
- Understanding of humane care and treatment of animals
- Valid Driver’s License
- Fluent in English
Nice-to-haves
- Spanish language skills
- Previous experience working in animal sheltering
Benefits
- Health care coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- Retirement plan
- Additional employee benefits
