Kennel Technician

Frederick County Government•Animal Control - Frederick, MD

23h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for the daily care, treatment, and physical well-being of animals housed at the Frederick County Animal Control Center. Duties include feeding, cleaning, and providing regular exercise and enrichment through frequent walks and interactive activities to support both physical and behavioral health. The role requires strong customer service skills when assisting individuals surrendering animals or navigating the adoption process. This is a physically demanding position involving continuous walking, lifting, bending, and standing throughout the shift, often while handling animals of varying sizes and temperaments. Direction is received from the Kennel Technician Supervisor, under supervision from the Animal Control Director.

Requirements

21 years of age at time of application
High school graduation or the equivalent
Ability to successfully complete the Professional Animal Workers of Maryland (PAWS) Euthanhanasia by Injection training and written examination within 6 months of hire
Ability and willingness to perform euthanasia procedures (the humane destruction of animals)
Knowledge of (or the ability to learn) the tools, techniques and tranquilizing equipment used in the humane handling of animals, and ability to use them without endangering personal safety
Accurate math skills in order to calculate proper dosage per animal weight
Familiarity with animal species and breeds, with the ability to effectively identify them and discuss breed characteristics with customers who are considering animal adoptions
Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to accurately complete clerical and record-keeping duties, and the ability to answer questions clearly and give information as described above
Ability to effectively complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, volunteers and the general public
Ability to engage animals in regular physical activity using toys, games, and positive reinforcement techniques to encourage exercise and enrichment.

Nice To Haves

Prior kennel/veterinary work experience with cats and/or dogs
Experience working with cats and/or dog, or other animals in a business or commercial setting (personal pet care will not be accepted)

Responsibilities

Maintain and thoroughly clean cages, runs and other common areas at the Animal Control Center (e.g. removing animal waste; mopping and scrubbing; sanitizing feeding equipment; and disinfecting areas where animals are kept, fed, watered and generally cared for, etc.)
Assist Animal Control Officers with incoming animals and equipment
Perform euthanasia procedures
Examine animals for general condition and report any illnesses, visible injuries or abnormal behavior of the animals
Administer inoculations, medication and first aid to animals as directed by the Veterinarian and/or Animal Care Technician including the use of controlled substances
Maintain controlled substance logs and records
Control aggressive animals with proper and humane restraint
Move animals to/from cages/runs and "visiting" areas as part of the pre-adoption process; provide customers with information about breed characteristics of animals being considered for adoption, and suitability for placement in the customer's home
Assist customers who are bringing animals for drop-off at Animal Control, discuss alternatives available to them; explain Animal Control procedures that will be followed if they choose to leave their animals
Assist with the inventory of kennel supplies and equipment
Provide regular exercise and enrichment through frequent walks and interactive activities to support both physical and behavioral health
Perform other related duties as required

Benefits

11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan)
Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan Vesting after 5 years of service
Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Wellness Program
Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
Deferred Compensation Plan
Legal Resources
Supplemental Life Insurance
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan