Animal Shelter Assistant

St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners•Midway Road, FL

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Safety Assistant performs a variety of administrative, customer service, and operational support duties related to the daily functions of the Animal Receiving and Lost & Found programs within the County’s animal safety and protection services. This position serves as a primary point of contact for residents seeking animal-related assistance, supports shelter intake and redemption processes, maintains accurate records, and contributes to the safe and humane care and handling of animals. The role helps ensure compliance with applicable Florida statutes, local ordinances, and departmental procedures related to animal safety and welfare.

Requirements

High school diploma or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED) required.
Two (2) years of customer service experience, preferably in animal care, animal welfare, veterinary support, shelter operations, or a related field; an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience may be considered.
Knowledge of Florida statutes and local ordinances related to animal safety and welfare.
Knowledge of animal handling techniques, animal behavior, and the ability to recognize signs of illness, injury, or distress.
Proficiency in data entry, word processing, and standard computer applications; familiarity with shelter management software, including Chameleon, is preferred.
Strong customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and compassionately with diverse populations.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and work independently in emotionally challenging or high-stress situations.
Ability to safely handle domesticated animals of varying sizes and temperaments and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, partner agencies, and the public.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and mandatory emergency or disaster response assignments.
Must possess a valid Florida driver license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Work requires the ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the workday, including frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and performing repetitive motions involving the hands, arms, and legs.
The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move light to heavy loads, including animal carriers, supplies, and equipment, and to safely restrain and handle domesticated animals of varying sizes and temperaments using appropriate equipment and techniques.
Good vision and hearing, with or without corrective devices, are required to safely perform essential duties.
Employees must be able to work in close proximity to animals; allergic conditions that may be aggravated by exposure to animals may affect the ability to perform essential job functions.
Employees are required to adhere to all safety protocols and utilize appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to ensure a safe working environment.
Employees will receive training on the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and PPE to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Employees are responsible for regularly inspecting their PPE for wear and tear, and reporting any damaged equipment to their supervisor for replacement.
Familiarity with the location and use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations, is required.
County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations.
As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator.
During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

Nice To Haves

Experience working or volunteering with an animal rescue, humane society, veterinary clinic, foster program, or similar animal welfare organization is preferred.
Familiarity with shelter management software, including Chameleon, is preferred.
Bilingual communication skills are desirable.

Responsibilities

Receive surrendered, impounded, and stray animals and gather required intake information accurately and efficiently.
Manage and monitor lost and found animal reports, matching reports with incoming animals when possible.
Assist pet owners with animal redemption, licensing, and related documentation, including receipt processing.
Research microchips, identification tags, and other available records to locate and contact animal owners.
Provide pet retention counseling and alternative resources to individuals considering surrender of their pets.
Respond to public inquiries in person and by phone regarding animal services programs, procedures, and ordinances.
Handle difficult or emotionally charged customer interactions with professionalism, empathy, and tact.
Assist with screening potential adopters, providing accurate information about animal behavior, history, and care requirements.
Facilitate meet-and-greets between animals and prospective adopters to ensure safe and positive interactions.
Guide applicants through the adoption process, including completing required documentation and providing post-adoption resources.
Support adoption events, promotions, and outreach activities to increase community engagement and adoption success.
Assist community members and colony caregivers with TNVR program information, policies, and procedures.
Coordinate the intake, scheduling, and transport of community cats for spay/neuter, vaccination, and return.
Ensure humane handling and safe transportation of feral and free-roaming cats in accordance with established protocols.
Maintain accurate records of TNVR activities, including locations, caregiver information, and animal outcomes.
Communicate and coordinate with approved rescue partners to facilitate the transfer of animals needing specialized care, behavior support, or extended placement opportunities.
Assist with preparing animals for rescue transfer, including documentation, health records, and logistical arrangements.
Support partnership development by providing timely information, responding to rescue inquiries, and maintaining positive working relationships.
Participate in collaborative efforts and community initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare and increasing lifesaving opportunities.
Enter, maintain, and update shelter records and reports accurately using designated software systems and databases.
Complete animal control and shelter-related forms, correspondence, certified letters, and other required documentation.
Perform filing, data entry, and general administrative support functions in a timely and organized manner.
Assist with opening and closing procedures for the Animal Receiving area.
Maintain confidentiality and accuracy of departmental records in accordance with County policies and applicable regulations.
Ensure safe and humane handling of animals in accordance with established safety protocols and animal welfare standards.
Recognize common animal breeds, behaviors, and signs of illness, injury, or distress and report concerns appropriately.
Assist with basic animal care and kennel or cage cleaning duties as needed.
Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and animal handling equipment safely and effectively.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of the reception lobby, adjoining workspaces, and supply areas.
Support enforcement of Florida statutes, County ordinances, and departmental procedures related to animal safety and protection.
Adhere to County safety protocols to minimize risks associated with animal handling and exposure to zoonotic diseases.
Serve as an essential employee during emergency and disaster operations, including staffing pet-friendly shelters and/or public information lines as assigned.
Work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime, as operational needs require.