Care and Enrichment Technician

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals • Columbus, OH

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The ASPCA's Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking a Care & Enrichment Technician to provide essential support for animals rescued from cruelty cases and disaster responses. This role is part of a multidisciplinary team, including sheltering, veterinary, and animal behavior staff, who collaborate to offer comprehensive care. The CRC team works closely with various ASPCA departments, including National Field Response, Veterinary Forensics, Legal Advocacy & Investigations, Behavioral Sciences, and Shelter Medicine Services, to ensure coordinated operations and high-quality, holistic care for animals affected by neglect, abuse, and natural disasters. The team also supports animals in ASPCA temporary field shelters.

Requirements

• Ability to observe and accurately interpret animal behavior.
• Ability to skillfully restrain, lift, and handle animals in stressful conditions.
• Must have the ability to work closely with behaviorally compromised animals and feel comfortable working in an environment where euthanasia is performed on a regular basis.
• Displays care and concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially during stressful times.
• Cultivates a climate in which individual differences and perspectives are valued, encouraged and supported.
• Forms authentic, trusting relationships which enhance individual and team performance.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Ability to learn Salesforces and other computer programs.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 lbs with support, carry up to 50 lbs with support, and have the physical capacity to bend, crawl, reach overhead, kneel and repetitively use hands to meet the physical demands of this position.
• Must be willing to work in an environment with potentially extreme temperature changes and weather conditions as well as exposure to chemical and biological hazards, such as feces and blood.
• Flexible and willing to attend mandatory staff meetings and training classes that may not occur during regular work hours.
• Ability and willingness to work weekend shifts and nights and holidays as scheduled.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 15% of the time as needed.
• Must provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history.
• Professional or volunteer animal handling experience with dogs required.
• High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent Experience (Required)

Nice To Haves

• 6 months of professional or volunteer animal care experience with dogs is strongly preferred.
• Animal shelter experience with dogs is strongly preferred; dog boarding or veterinary clinic experience with dogs is preferred.
• IS 700, 800 and ICS 100 and 200 within 60 days of hire.
• Fear Free Shelter Certification within 60 days of hire.
• Knowledge of Salesforce within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Keep animal housing and exercise areas clean and disinfected with daily cleaning and spot cleaning throughout the day.
• Clean, prepare, and provide daily enrichment items to keep animals engaged and reduce stress.
• Assist with playgroups and monitor interactions and behavior, bringing any behavioral or medical concerns to the proper point of contact.
• Provide daily care and support for the animals in the shelter, adhering to CRC standard operating procedures and low-stress handling and approach.
• Monitor and help maintain the medical and behavioral health of shelter animals; ensure adherence to nutrition, sanitation, and infectious disease-prevention protocols established by ASPCA’s Shelter Medicine Services team and CRC Veterinarians.
• Ensure the comfort and cleanliness of shelter animals.
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques.
• Comply with specific feeding programs related to behavioral enrichment for specific animals.
• Work to integrate volunteers into daily care, setting clear expectations, providing guidance as needed and always communicating respect and gratitude for volunteer support.
• Take inventory and stock supplies as needed.
• Drive an ASPCA vehicle; transport animals as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness of animal transport vehicles.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when dealing with criminal cases.
• Assist with planning and arrangements for temporary sheltering operations in the field.
• When appropriate, work with local communities affected by disasters to return rescued animals to their owners and find placement for unclaimed animals.
• Follow guidelines to ensure that animal holding areas include appropriate music and/or auditory stimulation for shelter animals.
• Exercise/socialize animals as instructed and manage playgroups as directed by behavior team.
• Prepare and distribute enrichment as directed; being open to any specific needs of individual animals.
• Assist as requested and directed in behavior interventions as a “novel person”.

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage , including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar for dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
• Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field, and so much more.

What This Job Offers

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