Animal Care Technician

Humane Society of Huron Valley•Ann Arbor, MI

About The Position

Animal Care Technicians are focused on providing the highest standards of animal care according to national best practices. This care includes but is not limited to: cleaning, feeding, medicating, monitoring, transporting, behavior enrichment and behavior modification. An animal care facility can be an emotionally challenging, high-stress, rapidly changing, and high-demand environment. Feelings of grief and loss, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue are not uncommon. As such, working at HSHV requires a high degree of emotional regulation and resilience; the ability to tolerate and manage stress; adaptability to change; empathy for both animals and people; and an overall positive outlook.

Requirements

Must be a compassionate and caring individual with excellent communication skills, and ability to work effectively in a high stress, fast-paced environment.
Requires prior experience with and knowledge of higher animal care.
Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Treats animals humanely and with respect, following the highest standards for animal care and handling.
Provides adequate food and water to shelter animals daily, with awareness of and compliance with any special feeding requirements and medications.
Completes other daily care tasks for animals, including walking dogs, changing cat litter pans, providing enrichment as needed, etc.
Observe animals daily for changes in behavior (aggressiveness, listlessness, not eating) and possible health problems (vomiting, diarrhea). Use medical and behavior concern boards, logs, and memos on a daily basis to report changes.
Follows the highest standards for preventing the spread of contagious disease.
Work cooperatively with other departments to assist with movement of animals within the shelter as necessary.
Participates in stress reduction efforts through purposeful handling and placement of animals in the shelter environment, in accordance to Fear Free Shelter Guidelines
Work closely with Behavior Department to participate in enrichment activities
Assists behavior department with behavior modification efforts
Work with volunteers to coordinate a smooth flow of shelter operations and daily care of animals (including dog walking, enrichment, cleaning, feeding, etc.)
Care for a variety of animal species including cats, dogs, small mammals (rabbits, hamsters, etc.), birds, reptiles, and other domestics.
Assist Community Cat Coordinator on weekends by feeding/watering cats in the TNR room, and cleaning as needed.
Perform adoptable dog introductions, as needed.
Operates laundry machines and organizes laundry used in shelter; distributes bedding throughout shelter
Assists in distributing HSHV in-kind donations for shelter use, as needed
Keep all cages, kennels, and all assigned areas clean following daily cleaning procedures.
Operates sanitizer and distributes clean products and supplies throughout assigned areas
Keep clean, neat, and appropriately stocked working areas. Organize and maintain storage areas.
Complete opening and closing tasks in accordance with appropriate checklists.
Represents HSHV in a professional and courteous manner at all times
Facilitates client/animal interactions to ensure a safe and pleasant experience
Actively promotes HSHV’s mission, services, programs, and events.
Develops relationships with customers and provides a positive experience for our clients by practicing HSHV’s Ten Principles of Great Customer Service.
Actively supports the advancement of HSHV goals and mission.
Attends and participates in HSHV training programs as assigned.
Attend agency staff meetings. Read email on a daily basis and respond as appropriate.
Maintain awareness of SOPs and policies established in other shelter departments and how they pertain to/affect staff and animals.
Follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment and take immediate action to address any safety concerns.
Other duties as assigned.