ANIMAL SERVICES ASSISTANT I

City Of Stockton, CA•Stockton, CA

50d

About The Position

The current vacancy exists in the City of Stockton's Animal Services Division. Under direct supervision, cleans and maintains City animal shelter facilities; feeds, monitors and handles domestic and wild animals held at the shelter; assists the public in locating and handling of animals; performs other duties related to humane animal protection and services; performs related work as assigned. The incumbent will work some 7:00am to 5:00pm shifts and some 8:00am to 6:00pm shifts. Days off during the week vary. This recruitment is being conducted as an Open/Promotional recruitment. Current regular full-time City of Stockton employees, at time of application, may apply for this position as a promotional opportunity and successful candidates will be placed on a promotional list. All other candidates may apply for this position as an open competitive opportunity and successful candidates will be placed on an open list. The appointing authority will have the option of requesting names from the promotional list, the open list or a combination of both. Under general supervision, cleans and maintains City animal shelter facilities; feeds, monitors and handles domestic and wild animals held at the shelter; assists the public in locating and handling of animals; performs assigned duties related to humane animal protection and services; and performs related work as assigned. Animal Services Assistant I is the entry level class in the Animal Services Assistant series. Positions in this class typically require minimal related work experience. The Animal Services Assistant I class is distinguished from the II by the level of performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level. Under close supervision, incumbents learn assigned operations as well as City and department policies and procedures. This class is alternately staffed with Animal Services Assistant II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after successfully completing a one-year probationary period, by demonstrating proficiency which meets the qualifications of the higher level class.

Requirements

Possession of a high school diploma or GED.
Must possess a valid California driver's license.
As a condition of continued employment, must possess or obtain within eighteen (18) months of appointment required training in accordance with Title 16, Section 2039 of the California Code of Regulations.
At the I level, as a condition of continued employment, must possess or obtain within twelve (12) months of appointment Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP).
Must be willing to obtain a pre-exposure rabies vaccination, and when medically required, revaccination shots.
Must be willing to work shifts or alternative schedules.
Basic species and breed identification of a variety of domestic and common wild animals;
Symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals;
Basic record keeping principles and practices;
Basic arithmetic, including adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing;
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment including relevant software programs;
Oral and written communication skills; business English including vocabulary, spelling, and correct grammatical usage and punctuation;
Safe work practices;
Principles and practices of excellent customer service.
Learning and applying state and local laws, codes and ordinances relating to the care, keeping, treatment and impounding of animals;
Learning to operate various equipment and tools used in the operation of the shelter and euthanasia;
Learning and applying policies and procedures relating to shelter operations and animal care, feeding, handling, adoption, euthanasia, and disposal;
Euthanizing and handling animals humanely and effectively under stressful circumstances;
Responding calmly and effectively in emergency situations;
Dealing tactfully, courteously and effectively with the public when providing customer service;
Keeping accurate written records;
Understanding and carrying out oral and written instructions and prioritize workload to meet deadlines;
Reading, writing and comprehending the English language at a level necessary for effective job performance exercising correct English usage, vocabulary, spelling, grammar and punctuation;
Communicating effectively, tactfully and positively in both oral and written form;
Operating and using modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software;
Utilizing appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties;
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
Contributing effectively to the accomplishments of City goals, objectives and activities.

Nice To Haves

Veterinary technician experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Receives stray, unwanted and other wild and domestic animals at the animal shelter from officers and the public.
Monitors and observes animals for signs of illness or injury and reports symptoms to the supervisor.
Places animals in appropriate shelter areas according to species and special requirements such as court-ordered quarantine or isolation pending diagnosis of diseases.
Scrapes, washes, disinfects, and dries kennel runs; cleans and maintains euthanasia area and walk-in refrigeration area; cleans and maintains building and grounds areas at the shelter, including janitorial and grounds keeping work.
Feeds and provides water for animals as scheduled.
Assists the public in claiming lost animals or selecting pets for adoption.
Immobilizes animals with the use of euthanasia chemicals and equipment.
Euthanizes animals by injection and disposes of unclaimed, sick, injured or aged animals.
Stocks food and shelter supplies and keeps inventory.
Assists in opening and closing of facilities.
Maintains basic records and completes forms regarding disposition of animals.
Assists customers and provides appropriate information over the phone and at the counter.
Explains applicable procedures, rules and regulations to customers and City departments/staff regarding animal services.
Participates in the resolution of customer inquiries in accordance with established policies, procedures, and rules.
Performs cashiering functions at the public counter; processes payments and animal license fees; makes change; counts and balances cash.
Represents the City with dignity, integrity, and the spirit of cooperation in all relations with staff and the public;
Fosters an environment that embraces integrity, service, inclusion and collaboration;
Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication;
Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service; and
Performs related duties as assigned.