Animal Care Technician

King William County•King William, VA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is primarily an Animal Care Technician (ACT) role, with the employee also serving as an Office Assistant when not performing ACT duties. This is an Essential Personnel Position, requiring attendance during all weather extremes or environmental emergencies to care for animals in the Shelter. The role reports to the Animal Shelter Director and is responsible for maintaining a safe and sanitary facility for animals and people, ensuring lawful, proper, and humane care of animals as the primary responsibility. This includes meeting daily nutrition, sanitary housing, and basic medical needs of all animals, which is essential for preserving animal health and preventing disease spread. The position also involves assisting the public with animal reclaiming, adoptions, and admissions, and promoting responsible pet ownership. The Animal Care Technician-Office Assistant works a rotating schedule including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Some experience working with animal husbandry training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Must successfully complete the VDACS Animal Facility Operator School within one year of employment.
Must complete the State Euthanasia Technician Classroom course within 6 months in position and certify with the Shelter's supervising veterinarian as a Euthanasia Technician.
Potential candidates will be required to complete drug testing, driving and background checks.

Nice To Haves

Euthanasia Certification is required within one year.

Responsibilities

Cleaning and disinfecting animal holding areas and walkways.
Performing continual maintenance and housekeeping duties, including minor repairs and upkeep of shelter workrooms and public areas.
Reporting equipment in need of repair or replacement to the Animal Shelter Director.
Ensuring animals receive species and age-specific food in sufficient quantity and water.
Providing safe and humane handling of animals.
Observing and evaluating animals for signs of illness or injury and reporting symptoms to the Animal Shelter Supervisor.
Dispensing medications as prescribed and directed, and verifying that animals have swallowed oral medications.
Assisting in performing health and behavior evaluations on individual animals.
Assisting in photographing animals for adoption promotion efforts.
Assisting in administering scheduled vaccinations and treatments.
Performing euthanasia procedures.
Bathing and grooming animals that need special attention.
Exercising, socializing, and training shelter animals.
Washing, drying, folding, and putting away laundry.
Performing routine spot-checks and sanitation of animal holding areas throughout the day.
Removing and disposing of feces in outside exercise yards and around the facility.
Assisting with inventory and restocking supplies.
Monitoring visitors to the Shelter for the safety of citizens and animals.
Assisting customers seeking lost pets and those interested in adopting.
Responding to questions about the adoption process and specific animals.
Assisting customers in reclaiming their animals or completing adoption applications.
Assisting with the intake of animals and maintaining accurate records.
Observing how animals interact with various people and other animals and advising the Animal Shelter Manager regarding any animal that is unusually withdrawn or displays aggression.
Performing administrative duties such as answering phones, greeting customers, responding to inquiries, and assisting with intake from animal control.
Assisting in presenting educational programs on responsible pet ownership, spay/neuter, etc.
Assisting with office/clerical tasks as may be required.
Performing other duties as required.