Behavior and Care Technician I – Denver Animal Protection
About The Position
Denver Animal Protection (DAP) protects the safety and welfare of Denver’s animals and residents by fostering the human animal bond. DAP emphasizes public and animal safety and health, encourages responsible pet ownership through education and enforcing compliance with animal-related municipal code requirements, and cares for animals at the Denver Animal Shelter (DAS). DAP is seeking a Behavior and Care Technician I to perform essential caretaking work for animals in custody of the shelter. In this role, you will ensure that all animals have a clean-living environment, drinking water and food as per feeding instructions, and reports health concerns to veterinary staff. Technicians are expected to perform a high level of animal care and customer care. The Behavior and Care Technician also participates in the Behavior and Enrichment programs by participating, assisting, and performing enrichment activities for the animals and animal behavioral evaluations. The Shelter has a combination of 4/10’s and 5/8’s shifts. This position requires the employee to work a variety of shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. This shiftwork is a core function of this role. Furthermore, occasional overtime maybe required, depending on business needs.
Requirements
- Graduation from high school or possession of a GED, HiSET or TASC Certificate.
- One (1) year of experience performing technical or administrative work assisting in an environmental public health program as related to the assignment.
- Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application.
- Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.
- This position requires a driver’s license and acceptable driving record and could be required to transport animals in City vehicles.
- Have one (1) year of experience in animal care which includes working in a veterinary office, animal hospital, animal shelter, pet store, or other animal care facilities.
- Take initiative to help when needed and to complete projects.
- Be able to lift/carry up to 75 lbs.
- Commitment to science-based, fear-free handling and training methods.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work well in busy work environment where business needs may quickly change.
- Works well independently and in a team setting.
- Is self-motivated and well-organized.
Nice To Haves
- Euthanasia certification, or ability to be euthanasia certified at the Shelter within six months.
Responsibilities
- Provides compassionate care including the basic needs of all animals in the Shelter and ensures that all animals have a safe and clean shelter environment. The Shelter receives animals of all species including dogs, cats, small mammals, reptiles, birds, and barnyard animals.
- Cleans and sanitizes all cages and kennels per Shelter protocols and keeps the facility, equipment, and tools clean.
- Works well in a team setting.
- May participate in breed evaluations for members of the public and for animals in the shelter.
- May participate in behavioral evaluations and assessments on animals in the shelter, including making outcome determinations.
- Participates in the Shelter’s enrichment programs, which includes but is not limited to walks, dog play groups, and cognitive and environmental enrichment opportunities for the animals.
- Observes animal appearance and activity for any behavioral or medical changes or concerns, reporting these changes to shelter management and recording observations in computer software.
- Performs intake exams on animals entering the shelter and administers vaccinations and medications when needed.
- Performs humane euthanasia on animals.
- Documents information about animals and facility operations per standard procedures including an inventory of animals and entering changes, head counts, daily logs, behavioral and medical observations, and other required information.
- Provides guidance, coaching, and training to volunteers, community service workers, and other staff.
- Actively participate on an emergency preparedness and response team to support DDPHE’s responsibilities outlined in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. This may require being ‘on-call’ from time to time to help respond to emergencies.
Benefits
- A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
- 457B Retirement Plan
- 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day and 1 volunteer day per year
- Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
