Animal Shelter Attendant

City of Oakdale • Oakdale, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Animal Control Officer, the Animal Shelter Attendant is the trainee level in this series. Incumbents in this class are provided with on-the-job training and experience. This position performs a variety of skilled and unskilled duties in the general maintenance, care, and disposal of animals; cleans, sanitizes kennels and cages, and handles difficult animals including domestic pets, wildlife, and livestock. This position has direct contact with the public, often in emotionally charged situations; provides information, explains procedures and laws, and also assists with adoptions and reclaims. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to demonstrate a genuine respect, compassion, and humane concern for all animals
• Successfully learn animal behavior/temperament
• Identify common canine and feline breeds and other species of animals
• Safely use animal handling equipment and common hand tools for repair of equipment
• Follow written and oral instructions
• Effectively read, understand, interpret and answer questions raised by fellow employees and the general public regarding policies and procedures at the Animal Shelter
• Prepare legible, clearly written records, logs, and forms
• Assist and work closely with authorized volunteers at the facility
• Lead and coordinate the daily activities of volunteer participants
• Knowledge of general maintenance equipment and techniques
• Knowledge of basic handling techniques and behavioral characteristics of domestic pets, common wildlife, and livestock
• Knowledge of basic understanding of common domestic pet anatomy
• Knowledge of basic understanding of State and local ordinances relating to the care and maintenance of domestic pets, livestock, wildlife and quarantining of suspected rabid animals
• Knowledge of general computer systems and operations
• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License
• Possess and maintain valid First Aid/CPR/AED certificates within one (1) year from date of appointment
• Successfully complete and pass the department’s Small Animal Euthanasia Certification Program within one (1) year of employment
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Nice To Haves

• College course work in Animal Science or a closely related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Receives, unloads, processes and impounds animals from the general public and Animal Service Officers
• Performs general, continuous clean up and maintenance of the assigned service area and grounds
• Provides guidance to volunteer participants at the shelter
• Operates small trucks and stock trailers used in transporting animals, equipment, and supplies
• Examines animals to determine age/sex, behavioral characteristics, and overall condition
• Maintains inventory of food, tools, and other related supplies
• Performs other related duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED