Kennel Lead

Washington Humane Society•Madison, NJ

About The Position

For over 80 years, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center has been dedicated to helping animals in need and serving communities across New Jersey. With a people-focused, community-based approach, St. Hubert’s treats every animal as an individual and emphasizes specialized care for both animals and their families. Built on a foundation of rescue and adoption, St. Hubert’s operates extensive community programs, including access to veterinary care, pet food support, training services, and the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, WayStation. As part of the Humane Rescue Alliance, headquartered in Washington, D.C., St. Hubert’s is connected to the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider network in the region, impacting the lives of tens of thousands of animals each year. Under the direction of the Kennel Manager, the Kennel Lead works closely with the Animal Care teams to maintain our Standard Operating Procedures with the staff and clients. They act as the point person for questions or issues that may arise when the Managers are not on premise or are otherwise occupied. The Kennel Lead provides a high standard of animal care to ensure the welfare of animals at St. Hubert’s. They create a healthy environment for all animals by monitoring their behavior, maintaining the cleanliness of kennels and surrounding areas. Kennel Leads will be assigned at our Madison campus but may be asked to work at another site when needed.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of animal restraint and handling techniques, as well as general animal safety practices, including recognizing animal breeds and behavior patterns.
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.
Passion for the Humane Rescue Alliance mission, for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.
Work collaboratively and with confidence in a high-stress, fast-paced work environment.
Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Ability to be flexible, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize.
Ability to positively interact with colleagues, coworkers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity and honesty throughout all facets of the position, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Reliability, high level of integrity and punctuality are essential.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; bilingual a plus.
Proficient in the use and application of computer technology with proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, the internet, and database management software to efficiently accomplish work.
Highly motivated and creative with experience and a passion for connecting with current and future clients.
Able to work well under pressure, in emotionally charged situations and handle confrontation politely and professionally while finding a solution.
Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
Ability to be comfortable working w/ cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, wildlife.
Ability to perform strenuous physical activity on daily basis, including lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, standing, squatting, and bending.
Due to nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile, irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, sights; extreme temperatures.

Nice To Haves

Minimum one year of animal care experience preferred.
Salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates proficient in Spanish, French and Mandarin.

Responsibilities

Maintain a high standard of animal care and welfare, overseeing scheduled feedings, medications, clean water at all times, proper bedding and enrichment toys.
Properly clean and sanitize kennels, rooms, cages, equipment and areas of shelter as assigned, according to St. Hubert’s Standard Operating Procedures.
Bathe or clean animals on a regular schedule or immediately if they become soiled.
Exercise and socialize with animals on a regular basis while abiding to St. Hubert’s dog walking policies.
Observe and document unusual behavior, signs of illness and any injury of an animal on a daily basis. Communicate vital information to medical, behavior, and adoptions departments as needed.
Restrain, confine, and handle animals, including those which are ill, injured, quarantined, and aggressive.
Make sure all animal rooms are appropriately stocked at all times for morning cleaning and daily care.
Clean all animal areas outside of the rooms including but not limited to hallways, kitchen areas, inventory areas and special rooms.
Have complete understanding of N.J.A.C 823a [https://casetext.com/regulation/new-jersey-administrative-code/title-8-health/chapter-23a-animal-facility-operation-animal-control-officer-and-animal-cruelty-investigator-certification-pilot-spaying-and-neutering-clinic-fees-and-rabies-inoculation/subchapter-1-sanitary-operation-of-kennels-pet-shops-shelters-and-pounds/section-823a-19-disease-control].
Monitor daily laundry washing, folding and stocking.
Conduct Lost and Found tours with members of the public.
Be knowledgeable and conversational on St. Hubert’s policies and common animal welfare practices.
Proficient in humane medical animal handling practices.
Able to troubleshoot questions and concerns from staff or clients when managers are not on site or are otherwise occupied.
Always represent St. Hubert’s in professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization.
Perform other duties as assigned.