Animal Care Technician - Full Time

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria•Alexandria, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This entry-level position is responsible for the daily cleaning, feeding, and enrichment of the animals in our shelter. Additionally, this position is asked to assist in the handling of animals for medical procedures and to provide assistance in showing animals to potential adopters. This is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of animals and gain experience in humane animal handling and care. Weekend work will be required; Saturday or Sunday availability is required.

Requirements

6 months of experience in working in an animal kennel environment.
High school diploma or equivalent
Proven ability to handle multiple tasks in a busy workplace environment
Ability to accurately perform basic mathematical calculation
Understanding of humane care and treatment of animals
Ability to obtain certification as a euthanasia technician within the first twelve months of employment
Valid Driver’s License
Fluent in English
Previous experience working in animals sheltering.
Strong data entry skills and the ability to maintain accurate records in a database, currently Chameleon
Requires working alone or with minimal supervision - must be self-motivated
Requires patience and tact when working with difficult, emotional, or angry people
Must have the ability to effectively communicate; verbally and written, over the phone and intercom, with a wide variety of both internal and external individuals, including the Directors, Managers, Coordinators, the staff, a volunteer workforce, partner organizations, and private citizens
Requires treating people and animals in a pleasant, courteous and professional manner
Adherence to AWLA’s policies and philosophies
Must be willing to receive Rabies vaccine and/or titers test upon request

Responsibilities

Ensure that all animal areas are clean, sanitary and comfortable
Clean animal enclosures every morning
Feed, water, groom, and medicate animals on a daily basis, while monitoring the physical condition and behavior of each animal
Provide affection and socialization to all animals on a regular basis, including walking dogs as needed
Examine and vaccinate animals entering the shelter
Accurately evaluate the medical status of an animal to determine whether it is stable and can remain in the shelter
Administer emergency first aid to sick or injured animals
Humanely euthanize animals when necessary
Participate in dog playgroups as needed
Assist in keeping the office areas where animals are housed neat and clean
Communicate regularly with supervisors and coworkers to ensure that they are aware of any issues pertinent to their areas of responsibility
Participate in staff meetings to share ideas and suggestions for improving animal care and the quality of the organization as a whole
Ensure that paperwork and records are maintained accurately and that database information is updated
Learn and use the descriptive identification used by AWLA, and develop a current working knowledge of all American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds and other commonly seen dog breeds, as well as commonly seen cat breeds
Develop a basic working knowledge of the AWLA’s procedures, guidelines, and protocols for the safe handling of animals
Legal and statistical reporting procedures, and veterinary protocols
Federal and Commonwealth of Virginia substance regulations, and Commonwealth of Virginia and municipal animal regulations
Understand and comprehend AWLA’s Animal Care Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Assist on an as needed basis with AWLA inventory and report necessary product orders
Perform intake exams of stray, injured and owner-relinquished animals
Accurately complete all animal intake paperwork
Maintain accurate animal intake information in database
Retrieve general voicemail messages and respond to calls and/or forward them to the appropriate department