Animal Welfare Technician
About The Position
The Wake County Animal Center is an open-admission animal shelter operated by Wake County Government. It receives stray, abandoned, and surrendered pets from Wake County and cares for approximately 11,000 to 12,000 animals annually, working with fosters, volunteers, and local rescues to treat and rehome homeless animals. The Animal Welfare Technician supports the health and welfare of animals in the Center’s care. After intake processing, the technician assigns each incoming animal a pathway, such as rescue or foster placement, veterinary examination, behavioral assessment, adoption availability, or euthanasia. In conjunction with management, technicians make daily placement decisions and assess whether animals can be safely rehomed. Technicians also perform most euthanasia at the Center and must pass an exam and practical to become a Certified Euthanasia Technician within the first six months of employment. The position is based at Wake County Animal Control in Raleigh, North Carolina. It has a varying schedule from Sunday through Saturday, with varying hours between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. In emergencies, the employee may be required to participate in preparedness and response operations, take on a temporary assignment different from standard duties, and work different hours or at a different location.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED; equivalent education and experience are accepted.
- At least six months of experience in animal care or control; equivalent education and experience are accepted.
- Pass the test or exam to become a Certified Euthanasia Technician within six months of employment.
- Pass the test or exam to become a Certified Rabies Vaccinator within six months of employment.
- Demonstrate safe, humane animal-handling skills.
- Ability to work with all types of domesticated animals.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Include all prior work experience on the application and resume.
Nice To Haves
- Three years of related animal care experience.
- Previous animal shelter experience.
- Certified Euthanasia Technician certification, to be obtained within six months of employment.
- Certified Rabies Vaccinator certification, to be obtained within six months of employment.
Responsibilities
- Assign incoming animals a pathway after intake processing.
- Make daily animal placement decisions with management and determine whether animals can be safely rehomed.
- Perform euthanasia and become certified as a Certified Euthanasia Technician within six months of employment.
- Conduct SAFER behavior assessments.
- Clean the feline URI ward and canine medical ward.
- Assist Animal Welfare Attendants.
- Handle fractious or aggressive animals.
- Assist the Veterinary Team.
- Dispense prescribed medications twice daily.
- Assist Animal Control.
- Provide backup for large-scale hoarding or cruelty investigations.
- Provide adoption counseling.
- Deep clean the entire Center.
- Prepare animal cadavers for rabies testing.
- Assist with training new employees from all departments.
- Monitor animals’ physical and behavioral health daily.
- Participate in emergency preparedness and response operations, exercises, and training when required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
