Animal Care Technician (Limited-term through September 30)

Richmond SPCA • Richmond, VA

7h • Onsite

About The Position

This is a temporary position scheduled for up to 30 hours per week from August 15 to September 30, 2026. The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare, aiming to create a no-kill community through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, and vital safety net programs. Animal Care Technicians are crucial in caring for homeless dogs and cats, many of whom require medical treatment. They ensure the animals' health, well-being, and happiness while preparing them for adoption. Upon hire, employees will receive a checklist of essential skills and tasks. Based on performance and departmental needs around September 30, 2026, there may be an opportunity to transition to a regular part-time role (up to 28 hours per week). If essential skills are not demonstrated or if there is no ongoing staffing need, employment will conclude on September 30, 2026.

Requirements

• Able to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment
• Comfort handling/learning to handle dogs, cats, and small mammals, including fearful or fractious patients
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Availability on weekends, holidays, and some weekdays (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day required)
• Have reliable transportation, including during inclement weather
• This position is an essential personnel position, meaning employees in this position are designated as critical to the Richmond SPCA's shelter operations, as they provide for the health and welfare of our shelter pets. Essential personnel are required to report to work when scheduled even when the Richmond SPCA is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or inclement weather.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience working in an animal care environment a plus (but not required)
• Comfort handling and learning to handle dogs and cats
• Good time management and prioritization skills
• Must be able to work independently at times
• Ability to multitask

Responsibilities

• Clean animal housing areas while ensuring all protocols and procedures are closely followed
• Wash pet food and water containers
• Scoop and clean litter boxes for cats and spot clean animal housing areas throughout the day as needed
• Walk dogs and assist with behavior modification protocols as requested by trainers
• Assist with doing pet laundry and deliver fresh bedding to pet housing areas
• Provide socialization, enrichment and exercise for animals as outlined by management
• Ensure every pet in your assigned area eats his or her food and consumes his or her medications every day
• Maintain special feeding protocols for puppies and kittens as well as dogs and cats with special needs
• Maintain open and regular communication with the Animal Care Manager, Assistant Manager and Lead Animal Care Technicians
• Report any medical concerns or observations to the veterinary staff for monitoring
• Report any behavioral concerns or observations to the shelter trainers for monitoring
• Work with our awesome volunteers and respond to their questions in a professional manner
• Notify appropriate personnel when animal care supplies are running low
• Clean work areas and preserve the physical appearance of dog and cat areas
• Empty garbage cans
• Assist other colleagues in the department as needed
• Perform side duties daily
• Attend and participate in all required trainings and meetings
• Complete special cleaning projects and other job-related duties as assigned

Benefits

• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Eligibility to become clients of the low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital
• Voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance (for employees averaging 15+ hours per week)
• Access to paid wellness leave (for employees averaging 20+ hours a week)
• Eligibility to participate in 401(k) retirement plan (for employees averaging 20+ hours a week)
• Insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and paid personal leave (for full-time employees)
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed