Animal Welfare Technician

Wake County Government • Raleigh, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wake County Animal Center is seeking an Animal Welfare Technician to support the health and well-being of homeless animals. The Center is an open-admission shelter operated by Wake County Government that receives stray, abandoned, and surrendered pets and works with fosters, volunteers, and local rescues to treat and rehome animals. Technicians assign incoming animals to appropriate pathways after intake processing and make daily placement and safe-rehoming decisions in conjunction with management. The role includes performing most of the Center’s euthanasia; technicians must pass an exam and practical within six months of employment to become Certified Euthanasia Technicians. They must also obtain Certified Rabies Vaccinator certification within six months. The position is based at Wake County Animal Control in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is a regular position with a varying schedule Sunday through Saturday and varying hours between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The hiring range is $25.70–$28.83, and the market range is $25.70–$31.96.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Six months of experience in animal care or control; equivalent education and experience are accepted.
• Must pass the required exam and practical to become a Certified Euthanasia Technician within six months of employment.
• Must pass the required exam to become a Certified Rabies Vaccinator within six months of employment.
• Safe, humane animal-handling skills.
• Ability to work with all types of domesticated animals.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work a varying schedule Sunday through Saturday, with varying hours between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

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 to appropriate pathways after intake processing, in conjunction with management.
• Assess whether incoming animals can be safely rehomed.
• Perform euthanasia and complete the required Certified Euthanasia Technician exam and practical within six months of employment.
• Conduct SAFER behavior assessments.
• Clean the feline upper respiratory infection ward and canine medical ward.
• Assist Animal Welfare Attendants and the Veterinary Team.
• Handle fractious or aggressive animals.
• Dispense prescribed medications twice daily.
• Assist Animal Control and 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.
• Complete the Certified Rabies Vaccinator exam and certification within six months of employment.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and response operations, including possible temporary assignments, exercises, and training.

What This Job Offers

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