Behavior and Care Technician I – Denver Animal Protection

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

18h • Onsite

About The Position

The City and County of Denver is seeking a Behavior and Care Technician I to perform essential caretaking work for animals in the custody of the Denver Animal Shelter (DAS). This role ensures animals have clean living environments, food, and water, and reports health concerns to veterinary staff. The technician will also participate in behavior and enrichment programs, conduct enrichment activities, and assist with animal behavioral evaluations. This position offers a unique work environment within a 24/7 operation, with various shift options available.

Requirements

• 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.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 75 lbs.
• Commitment to science-based, fear-free handling and training methods.
• Euthanasia certification, or ability to be euthanasia certified at the Shelter within six months.
• 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.
• 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.
• Valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Take initiative to help when needed and to complete projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform essential caretaking work for animals in custody of the shelter.
• Ensure all animals have a clean living environment, drinking water, and food as per feeding instructions.
• Report health concerns to veterinary staff.
• Perform a high level of animal care and customer care.
• Participate in Behavior and Enrichment programs by participating, assisting, and performing enrichment activities for the animals.
• Assist with animal behavioral evaluations.
• Provide compassionate care including the basic needs of all animals in the Shelter and ensures that all animals have a safe and clean shelter environment.
• Clean and sanitize 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.
• May be required to be ‘on-call’ from time to time to help respond to emergencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

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

What This Job Offers

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