Kennel Worker

Animal Shelter•New Haven, CT

21d•Onsite

About The Position

This is semi-skilled work in the humane care of animals and in the maintenance of the Municipal Animal Shelter. Work is performed in accordance with established policies and procedures, and is reviewed by the Director, the Municipal Animal Control Officer or designee. Work will include some weekend shifts and may include some hours outside of a traditional 9 - 5 workday.

Requirements

Graduation from high school
3 months to 1 year experience in caring for animals or in animal protection work or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:
Some knowledge of procedures for handling animals in a safe and humane manner.
Ability to learn symptoms of animal illnesses.
Ability to administer medicines as directed by the Veterinarian.
Ability to administer first aid.
Ability to keep accurate records and to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with other employees and with the public.
Ability to maintain the building and grounds.
Some knowledge of how to make minor repairs to building, equipment and facilities.
Must be able to respond to emergency off-hour calls on a rotating basis.
Some computer literacy and ability to learn systems used within the facility.
Must possess a valid Connecticut Drivers License at time of application and maintain it throughout the course of employment.
Ability to lift up to 80 pounds.
Ability to work various shifts and be flexible about days off.

Responsibilities

Feeds dogs in conformance with established schedules and instructions.
Administers medicines as directed by the Veterinarian.
Assists the Veterinarian with inoculations and euthanasia of diseased animals.
Answers inquiries and records complaints to be investigated.
Keeps records of animals brought to the Shelter, and of those adopted, reclaimed, or having incurable diseases.
Cleans the inside kennel area using a high-pressure hot water hose and cleaning chemicals.
Cleans all areas both inside and outside the shelter.
Mows the land and removes snow.
Makes minor repair to the building and equipment as needed, including but not limited to minor painting and carpentry, repairing kennel wires and automatic watering bowls, aligning doors, etc.
Assists Public Works staff with the incinerating of carcasses.
Will be required to respond to emergency off-hour calls.
Assists Animal Control Officer in emergency calls as needed.
Socializes with animals when deemed appropriate by Animal Control Officer or Assistant Animal Control Officer.
Judges temperament and disposition of animals.
Reports temperament to Assistants and Director.
Provides customer service to the public and/or other agencies or organizations in dispatching duties related to animal intake or adoption.
Performs related work as required.