Animal Care Technician (Limited-term through June 15)

Richmond SPCA•Richmond, VA

6h•Onsite

About The Position

Temporary position to be scheduled 10-25 hours per week through June 15, 2026. Reports to Animal Care Manager. The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it. Animal Care Technicians play an essential role in caring for our homeless dogs and cats, many of whom are sick or injured and undergoing medical treatment. These team members help protect our animals' health and contribute to their overall wellbeing - making sure they are happy and loved while being readied for adoption to lasting homes. This position is scheduled for approximately 10 to 25 hours per week through June 15, 2026. Upon hire, you will receive a checklist outlining the essential skills and tasks that must be mastered by the end of the temporary assignment. On or around June 15, 2026, based on departmental needs and your demonstrated performance, Animal Care management may offer the opportunity to transition from temporary status to a regular part-time role with a schedule of up to 20 hours per week. If the essential skills have not been demonstrated, or if there is no ongoing staffing need at that time, employment will conclude on June 15, 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

Employee Assistance Program
Voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Paid wellness leave
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Paid personal leave
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program