Behavior and Care Technician II – Denver Animal Protection

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

1d • 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. 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). We foster an inclusive culture by respecting the values, customs, and authenticity of everyone and by implementing equitable public health strategies so Denver communities can thrive. DAP is seeking a Behavior and Care Technician II to perform essential caretaking work for animals in custody of the shelter and behavioral evaluations. 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.

Requirements

• Two (2) years 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.
• 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.
• Two (2) years of experience performing technical or administrative work assisting in an environmental public health specific to the assignment.
• A combination of appropriate education and experience may be substituted for the minimum education and experience requirements.
• 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.

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.
• Cleans and sanitizes all cages and kennels per Shelter protocols and keeps the facility, equipment, and tools clean.
• Works well in a team setting.
• Participates in breed evaluations for members of the public and for animals in the shelter.
• Participates in behavioral evaluations and assessments on animals in the shelter, including making outcome determinations including euthanasia 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.
• This position will actively participate on an emergency preparedness and response team to support DDPHE’s responsibilities outlined in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan.
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED