Care & Enrichment Technician

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals • Weaverville, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Care & Enrichment Technician provides daily care, cleaning, monitoring, and enrichment for dogs receiving treatment at the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Weaverville, near Asheville, North Carolina. The BRC studies and rehabilitates extremely fearful and under-socialized dogs, including dogs from puppy mills and hoarding situations, and shares emerging practices with shelters nationwide. Technicians help dogs remain healthy and support their behavioral growth through low-stress handling, husbandry, enrichment, playgroups, and assistance with behavior interventions.

The technician works as part of a team of eight and collaborates with shelter operations, shelter medicine, and animal behavior staff to provide balanced, holistic care. The role reports to the BRC Senior Manager, Care and Enrichment and has no direct reports. The schedule is flexible and may include days, evenings, and holidays as needed.

The expected hiring salary range is $20.75–$22.19 per hour. The ASPCA describes its benefits package as including health coverage, flexible time off, financial and retirement incentives, and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Professional or volunteer animal-care experience with dogs.
• Compassion for animals and a genuine interest in working with people; treats people and animals with care and respect.
• Maintains a positive attitude and respects team members at all levels.
• Values individual differences and perspectives, and builds authentic, trusting relationships.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Meticulous organization and attention to detail.
• Enjoys keeping animals and kennels clean.
• Ability to restrain, lift, and handle animals skillfully in stressful conditions.
• Comfort working closely with behaviorally compromised animals, including in an environment where euthanasia is performed regularly.
• Interest in working with under-socialized dogs with extreme fear issues.
• Willingness to work amid potentially extreme temperature changes and weather conditions and exposure to chemical and biological hazards, including feces and blood.
• Demonstrates concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals, and others, particularly during stressful times.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds with assistance, carry up to 50 pounds, and bend, crawl, reach overhead, kneel, and repetitively use hands.
• Valid driver’s license upon hire and a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history.
• English language proficiency.

Nice To Haves

• Six 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.
• Fear Free Shelter Certification within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care and support for dogs in treatment, following BRC procedures and low-stress handling practices.
• Maintain the comfort and cleanliness of the animal population and shelter areas.
• Monitor animal medical and behavioral health, and document concerns and observations daily.
• Follow nutrition, sanitation, infectious disease-prevention, and feeding protocols established by the relevant ASPCA teams and management.
• Support dogs’ behavioral growth in coordination with the Behavior Branch and program treatment approaches.
• Assist with behavior treatments and interventions as requested.
• Take inventory, restock supplies, and put away deliveries.
• Maintain appropriate music or auditory stimulation in animal holding areas.
• Manage playgroups and graduate activities as directed by the Senior Manager of Care and Enrichment.
• Prepare and distribute enrichment based on program guidance and animals’ treatment status or special needs.
• Help onboard and integrate volunteers into daily care by setting expectations and providing guidance.
• Drive an ASPCA vehicle to transport animals when needed and clean transport vehicles after use.
• Assist with Learning Lab collaborative modules for shelter partners as needed.
• Provide hands-on coaching to ASPCA visitors on operational procedures and protocols under the direction of the Senior Manager of Care and Enrichment and Senior Director of Operations.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and training classes, which may occur outside regular work hours.

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off, including vacation, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company-paid holidays, and paid personal time off.
• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer matching up to 4%, plus an additional 4% employer contribution.
• Professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching, mentorship, internal mobility, and opportunities to support work in the field.

What This Job Offers

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