Animal Care Technician (Full-Time)

Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA•Forest, VA

12d

About The Position

The Animal Care Technician works under the direct responsibility of the Animal Care Team Leads and provides daily care for animals in both the dog and cat areas. Duties include feeding animals; cleaning animal housing, equipment, and facilities; monitoring and reporting on animals’ medical and behavioral health; and providing mental and physical exercise. The role also includes deep cleaning crates, traps, and equipment, and assisting with laundry and dishes as needed. The technician follows RHSPCA policies and operational guidelines, provides safe and humane animal care, maintains complete animal records using shelter software, communicates with staff, volunteers, fosters, and the public, and engages volunteers by sharing relevant knowledge. The position is full-time, with shifts generally from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise assigned. Scheduling flexibility is required, and weekend and holiday work is included. This is an hourly, at-will position with a starting rate of $15 per hour. Eligibility for health benefits and PTO begins after a period of employment.

Requirements

Good time management skills.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work well with others.
Willingness and desire to learn.
Commitment to and enthusiasm for the RHSPCA mission.
Ability to use email to stay current with information shared through email.
Ability to use shelter software to maintain animal records.
Ability to lift 35 pounds, stand for long periods, and move quickly.
Ability to work with and around animals, including diseased, injured, or potentially aggressive animals.
Ability to work around loud noises, chlorine or other chemicals, and inclement weather.
Flexibility in scheduling, including evening, weekend, and holiday work.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

Feed and care for animals in assigned areas according to direction and Standard Operating Procedures.
Clean animal areas, equipment, and general facilities, and assist with laundry and dishes as needed.
Deep clean crates, traps, and equipment.
Monitor animals’ health and disposition daily and report medical, behavioral, and safety concerns to appropriate staff.
Provide for animals’ medical and behavioral needs as instructed, and provide mental and physical exercise.
Handle animals safely and humanely, with interactions intended to improve their adoptability.
Maintain thorough and complete animal records and document health and behavioral concerns using shelter software.
Communicate effectively and professionally with staff, volunteers, fosters, and the public.
Engage volunteers and share knowledge to help make effective use of their time.
Notify appropriate staff about needed repairs or maintenance and assist with them as needed.
Follow RHSPCA policies and procedures, prioritizing safety and animal wellbeing.
Participate in staff meetings and share ideas to improve working conditions, animal welfare, and the organization.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health insurance eligibility after a period of employment.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
PTO, with increases every other year.
Bereavement time off.
Birthday time off.
Employer-sponsored life insurance.
Supplemental insurance offerings, including Short-Term Disability, Critical Care, Accident, Cancer, and Hospital Indemnity.
Discounts through the Hill’s Pro Staff Feeding program.
Discounts at multiple businesses throughout the valley.
Staff and volunteer appreciation events.
$0 adoption fee on the first pet adopted through the RHSPCA.