Kennel Attendant

Macomb County Government•Safford, AZ

7d•$41,328 - $53,455•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction, responsible for the care of animals at the Animal Control facility. This includes, but is not limited to, providing medical assistance, behavioral monitoring, and maintaining a clean environment for the wellbeing of all animals at the facility.

Requirements

Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development Test
As a condition of employment, must obtain certification in performing euthanasia and tranquilization techniques within probationary period
Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and an operable insured automobile for authorized travel
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service including needs assessment and meeting quality standards for services
Knowledge of animal care, needs, behavior, animal handling and restraint technique
Knowledge of delivering post-operative instructions
Knowledge of local, state, and federal animal laws and court procedure
Skill in identifying aspects of animal behavior (aggressive, fearful, feral)
Skill in animal health and well-being
Skill in basic veterinary medical concepts, including but not limited to vaccine protocols
Skill in communicating basic veterinary concepts to owners and be able to repeat information relayed by a veterinarian
Skill in communicating with the public daily in a professional manner
Skill in handling and caring for animals
Skill in animal euthanasia methods
Skill in tranquilization medications, methods, and techniques
Ability to determine breeds, species, sex and age of animal
Ability to recognize signs of animal illness, neglect, abuse and cruelty
Ability to restrain and capture animals and the ability to interpret animal body language
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions
Ability to adapt behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions or unexpected situations
Ability to be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions
Ability to cope with death either due to surgical complication or euthanasia
Ability to rapidly and accurately process information
Ability to delegate tasks
Ability to work independently and as part of team
Ability to make decisions
Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm
Ability to exercise judgment and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions.
Ability to maintain composure under stressful situations
Ability to multitask efficiently
Ability to type efficiently and accurately for data entry purposes
Ability to work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
Ability to effectively speak, write and understand the English language
Ability to understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in an animal-care related field, such as Animal Sciences, Veterinary Technology, or related discipline
Previous Kennel Attendant or Veterinary Assistant experience
Previous animal handling experience
Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred

Responsibilities

Cares for all animals being held at the facility.
Performs daily cleaning of kennels, cages and public areas, following proper disease control protocols to ensure a sterile environment.
Administers medications, vaccines and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
Performs clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scraping, urinalysis, and fungal cultures.
Draws blood for laboratory analysis, maintains files of lab test results, and ensures all test results are documented.
Performs lab tests and monitors animals after surgeries and other procedures.
Cleans and maintains equipment and tools, sterilizes surgical equipment as needed.
Counsels adopters on adoptable pets.
Observes and records behavior of animals held in quarantine.
Reports animal behavior, health or concerns of animals at the facility to management.
Examines animals for signs of illness and treats them according to established procedures.
Performs intake of animals into the facility and the release of animals from the facility.
Maintains records and charts for animals at the facility.
Records and documents information including, but not limited to, genealogy, diet, weight, medications, medical information, food intake, and license number.
Stocks all kennel and cleaning supplies as needed.
Receives incoming telephone calls, answers questions appropriate to skill level, relays messages to appropriate individuals and sells animal licenses.
Educates the public on proper animal care techniques.
Assists with general clerical responsibilities.
Euthanizes animals and prepares animals for rabies testing.
Performs general janitorial duties in the kennels and outside the facility.
Operates an automobile to perform job duties.
Performs related duties as assigned.