Behavior and Care Technician II – Denver Animal Protection

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Denver Animal Protection (DAP) protects the safety and welfare of Denver’s animals and residents by fostering the human-animal bond, promoting responsible pet ownership, and caring for animals at Denver Animal Shelter (DAS). The Behavior and Care Technician II provides essential care for animals in shelter custody and participates in behavioral evaluations and enrichment programs. The role involves caring for animals of many species, maintaining a safe and clean shelter environment, observing and documenting animal health and behavior, and providing customer care. The position is based on site at Denver Animal Shelter, 1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223. The shelter operates 24/7, and this role works a variety of opening, mid, closing, and evening shifts on either 4/10 or 5/8 schedules, including weekends and holidays. Occasional overtime and on-call emergency response may be required. Employees must complete a Health Performance Evaluation and may be required to transport animals in City vehicles. The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities and can provide language assistance and disability-related accommodations upon request.

Requirements

• High school graduation or a GED, HiSET, or TASC Certificate.
• Two years of experience performing technical or administrative work assisting in environmental public health specific to the assignment; a combination of appropriate education and experience may substitute for the minimum requirements.
• A valid driver's license at the time of application, maintained as a condition of employment, and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work involving prolonged standing, stooping, bending, climbing, pulling, pushing, and sometimes awkward movements.
• Ability to work a variety of shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work in a busy environment where business needs may change quickly, both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with animals of varied species, including dogs, cats, small mammals, reptiles, birds, and barnyard animals.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of animal care experience in a veterinary office, animal hospital, animal shelter, pet store, or other animal care facility.
• Commitment to science-based, fear-free handling and training methods.
• Euthanasia certification, or ability to become euthanasia certified at the Shelter within six months.
• Initiative to help when needed and complete projects.
• Self-motivation and strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care and meet the basic needs of animals in the shelter, ensuring they have a safe, clean environment, food, and drinking water according to feeding instructions.
• Clean and sanitize cages and kennels and keep the facility, equipment, and tools clean.
• Participate in breed evaluations for members of the public and animals in the shelter.
• Participate in behavioral evaluations and assessments, including making outcome determinations such as euthanasia determinations.
• Participate in enrichment programs, including walks, dog play groups, and cognitive and environmental enrichment activities.
• Observe animals for behavioral or medical changes, report concerns to shelter management or veterinary staff, and record observations in computer software.
• Perform intake examinations and administer vaccinations and medications when needed.
• Perform humane euthanasia on animals.
• Document animal and facility operations, including inventory, animal changes, head counts, daily logs, and behavioral and medical observations.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and training to volunteers, community service workers, and other staff.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and response activities, including being on call from time to time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Guaranteed lifelong monthly pension after vesting following five years of service.
• 457B Retirement Plan.
• 140 hours of PTO earned within the first year.
• 12 paid holidays, one personal holiday, one Wellness Day, and one volunteer day per year.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within one month of start date.

What This Job Offers

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