Animal Shelter Attendant

Franklin County•Louisburg, NC

About The Position

The Franklin County Department of Animal Services is seeking a compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated Animal Shelter Attendant to provide daily care, maintain a clean shelter environment, and support the social enrichment and health of shelter animals. The employee is responsible for shelter cleanliness and inventory, animal care and health, assistance with adoptions, and coordination with rescues to help prevent euthanasia. The position involves working indoors in conditions that may affect the respiratory system or skin, including fumes, poor ventilation, or carbon monoxide, and around significant noise. Work is subject to OSHA bloodborne-pathogen standards. The employee works under the direct supervision of the Animal Shelter Supervisor and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and the quality and effectiveness of completed work. Compensation is $37,065–$38,918, with the amount determined based on experience and qualifications. The role may require weekend, after-hours, holiday, and emergency work, including scheduled weekend rotations to feed animals and clean the shelter. During county disasters, inclement weather, or emergencies, employees may be scheduled to care for pets and abandoned animals at the shelters.

Requirements

Completion of high school and some experience with animals, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
Knowledge of animal handling, animal behavior, and animal care.
Valid North Carolina driver's license.
Ability to obtain certification in animal euthanasia techniques.
Ability to obtain certification in vaccinating animals for rabies.
Working knowledge of animal shelter maintenance and operation, animal care and feeding, and cleaning and sanitizing animal quarters.
Knowledge of relevant laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to animal sheltering.
General knowledge of physical and behavioral characteristics of common domestic animal breeds.
Knowledge of common disease symptoms and behaviors displayed by domestic animals.
Knowledge of practices and techniques for animal welfare and humane treatment.
Working knowledge of department policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and firmly with the public.
Ability to de-escalate irate citizens while maintaining a professional manner.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Responsibilities

Clean and maintain animal confinement areas, including cleaning and disinfecting cages.
Feed and water confined animals and provide daily care and food for shelter animals.
Inspect animals and cages routinely to monitor health, safety, and cleanliness.
Wash food and water bowls, shelter laundry, and utensils, and maintain facility sanitation.
Encourage adoptions and assist visitors with claiming or adopting animals, including processing paperwork, collecting fees, and providing receipts.
Provide customer service to visitors seeking lost pets or wishing to adopt.
Ensure the safety and health of animals in the facility.
Administer medication and vaccinations to shelter animals.
Maintain records of impounded animals.
Assist with destroying diseased, vicious, and unclaimed animals in the prescribed manner.
Report potential animal health or behavioral problems to Animal Care Technicians.
Maintain supply inventories.
Perform or assist with euthanasia of un-adoptable or diseased animals and decapitation for rabies testing.
Perform weekend, after-hours, holiday, and emergency shelter work as needed, including weekend rotations.
Perform administrative duties when needed and other related duties as required.