Animal Keeper II - Dallas Animal Services (Civil Service)

City of Dallas

2d•$22 - $22

About The Position

The Animal Keeper II performs skilled daily animal care and keeping duties for Dallas Animal Services. The role ensures the safe and humane care of animals and people at the Dallas Animal Shelter. Responsibilities include feeding and providing water to animals, administering medications as instructed, maintaining animal housing and care areas, observing animals for illness or injury, handling and restraining animals for medical procedures, assisting with euthanasia when needed, and providing information to the public about animals and City services.

Requirements

Six months of paid animal feeding or care experience that included public interactions, or six months of volunteer experience in an animal shelter or veterinarian clinic as an animal keeper or animal care attendant performing direct animal care.
Six months of customer service experience.
Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
No felony drug offenses within the last 10 years.
No animal cruelty convictions.
Must pass a physical exam, including drug and alcohol testing.
Knowledge of animal care and handling practices and policies.
Knowledge of basic husbandry skills.
Ability to meet, talk, and deal effectively with the public.
Ability to acquire knowledge in the care and handling of animals.
Ability to safely handle and restrain all types of animals.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Subject to extensive walking and bending.
Subject to inclement weather conditions.
Availability to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

Prepare food according to each animal’s written diet instructions, feed animals as required, hand-feed baby animals, provide water, and administer medicines as instructed.
Clean animal care and other assigned areas and report mechanical defects that could endanger animals or the viewing public.
Monitor and observe animals in cages or stalls to detect illnesses and injuries and ensure proper care.
Clean, store, and maintain utensils, food, equipment, and inventory in hygienic conditions.
Work with animal care staff, veterinarians, and volunteers to support the health and well-being of animals and customers.
Educate the public about animals and their care needs.
Transfer and restrain animals for medical procedures in a manner safe for animals and staff, and assist with euthanasia when needed or required.
Assist internal and external customers by providing and documenting animal information.
Provide animal enrichment by adding or rearranging enclosure objects and providing approved foods, toys, and treats.
Prepare and update animal records, reports, and surveys, and assist with projects to support documentation, accountability, and knowledge of assigned animals.
Provide citizens with information about vaccines and other City of Dallas programs.
Perform other work as needed or assigned.