ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN

City of Farmington•Farmington, NM

93d•Onsite

About The Position

Our Animal Shelter is an important part of the local community. You will help care for and find forever families for homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens in the Four Corners area. Every day your will be part of the team that will care for the animals temporarily in our care and assist in making connections between adopters and animals in need. You will help lead your team in kennel operations, animal care, and team development. Best of all, you will help create a safe and welcoming environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to receive money and make proper change.
Must be able to obtain Euthanasia Certification within one year of date of hire.
Must be able to work around various animals without an allergic reaction.
Ability to cope emotionally with the euthanasia.
Knowledge of and concern with animals.
Valid New Mexico driver's license with acceptable driving record for the past three years or state of current residency.
Ability to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Commitment to mission, values, goals and success of the FRAS with compassion and genuine affection for animals.
Highly motivated with strong communication skills and an outgoing, polite, and professional manner.
Team player and self-starter, able to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, supervisors and the public.
Ability to work under stress and handle stressful situations.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
This position has the responsibility to participate in and comply with the City's Environmental, Health, and Safety program.

Nice To Haves

Animal care and customer service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform routine animal care, facility cleaning, customer service, and related duties at the Animal Shelter.
Provide day-to-day operational support within assigned kennel areas and assist in coordinating workflow.
Communicate daily goals and objectives clearly to team members.
Support consistency in animal care procedures.
Ensure tasks are completed in a safe, timely, and organized manner.
Report operational concerns, animal care issues, or barriers affecting workflow to the Animal Care Manager or upper management.
Provide appropriate quantity of food and water to shelter animals.
Provide overall animal care including bathing and basic grooming.
Monitor animals and immediately report health, behavior, or temperament issues to medical staff, behavior staff, or supervisor.
Participate in stress and disease reduction efforts through purposeful and compassionate handling and placement of animals.
Assist with animal intake, evaluation, and medical treatments as directed.
Assist and perform euthanasia of animals by injection using humane and accepted practices.
Clean, disinfect, and maintain shelter kennels, cages, and all animal and general areas as assigned and instructed, following established disease control protocols.
Operate laundry, cleaning, dishwashing and other equipment.
Restock cleaning, feeding and other supply areas and inform the Animal Services Manager when reordering is necessary.
Maintain equipment in good working condition and report need for repair or replacement.
Assist in cleaning and maintenance of the entire facility and grounds.
Cultivate positive customer relations through professional, courteous, and educational interactions while actively promoting the mission, services, programs and events.
Provide prompt, courteous and excellent service to all internal and external customers.
Assist customers with the pet adoption process by facilitating customer/animal interactions to ensure a safe and pleasant experience, accurately answering questions, and providing guidance.
Practice and encourage the humane treatment of animals.
Assist the public in determining if lost pets are in the care of the FRAS.
Work cooperatively with all volunteers.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and the general public.
Operate a motor vehicle to assist in carrying out the business of the department and the City.
Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to FRAS policies and procedures.
Ensure a safe work environment, follow all safety guidelines, and model safe work practices.
Take immediate action to address any safety concerns.
Follow direction of Animal Services Manager, Veterinarian, other shelter managers and Animal Welfare Director.