Animal Services Specialist

Mesa County•Grand Junction, CO

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs duties across all areas of the Animal Services operation within the Animal Services Shelter Facility. The position supports compliance with Colorado and Mesa County animal regulations and laws, assists the public with animal-related matters, and contributes to the safe and humane care and management of animals in the facility. Work includes animal handling and assessment, shelter operations, public education, administrative tasks, and facility upkeep. The role may also involve investigating animal or public-health concerns, documenting evidence, and testifying in court. The position requires shift work, overtime, pager/on-call availability, and rotational night work.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Active Colorado Driver's License.
Ability to capture and control a wide variety of animals if required in the facility.
Ability to stand, stoop, sit, bend, twist, and lift up to 100 pounds.
Must be available for shift work, overtime, pager/on-call duty, and rotational night work.
Clear and effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work as a member of a professional team and foster a safe, positive environment.

Nice To Haves

Training and/or experience in animal control, animal sheltering, customer service, or other experience working with animals.
Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.

Responsibilities

Assist with requests related to compliance with Colorado and Mesa County animal regulations and laws, including observing and documenting evidence for Animal Services Officers.
Collect, enter, manage, and audit data; cashier; file; dispatch; answer telephones; assist the public; and perform facility maintenance and cleaning as assigned.
Investigate possible disease transmission among animals or from animals to humans and initiate necessary actions within the facility.
Investigate incidents, prepare documentation, and testify in court regarding citations when required.
Perform humane euthanasia according to established training protocols.
Assist and advise the public with adopting, redeeming, and releasing animals, and complete the necessary paperwork.
Help citizens resolve animal-control issues and complaints professionally and proactively.
Handle, move, and transport animals; assess their behavior and physical condition; and oversee adoption, transfer, and foster programs.
Monitor animals’ impound status and maintain their body condition while they are held at the facility.
Perform janitorial and light maintenance duties in the building and on the grounds; monitor and requisition animal and janitorial supplies; and clean and sanitize animal holding and facility areas.
Feed and water animals and evaluate their health on an ongoing basis according to their needs.
Perform preventative maintenance as required.
May oversee volunteers and community-service individuals.
May educate the community about Animal Services and responsible pet ownership through schools, community organizations, public events, and television programs.
Present Humane Education classes as assigned by the Animal Services Manager.
Prepare, package, label, and transport rabies-testing samples as assigned by the Animal Services Manager.
Communicate clearly and effectively, work as part of a team to foster a safe and positive environment, and perform other related duties as assigned by the Animal Services Manager.