Kennel Worker, (A262931-8), 202, Animal Control

City of Laredo•Laredo, TX

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for the prevention of zoonotic diseases, responsible and humane pet care, and pet safety in a municipal animal care facility. The Kennel Worker maintains, upkeeps, cleans, and disinfects animal kennels, grounds, clinic, and buildings in the City of Laredo Animal Care Facility. They feed and care for pets and assure humane treatment of pets that are impounded and/or sheltered.

Requirements

At least one (1) year of general experience.
Proof of TB Test/Screening required prior to employment.
Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required vaccinations within the specified period of time from hire (Rabies Pre-Exposure Vaccines must be obtained within one (1) month of employment).
Thorough background check and certified school transcripts required.
Must undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
Subject to random drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive functions/positions.
Ability to perform animal impoundment and sheltering keeping practices that may be strenuous, but routine.
Ability to plan, organize, and maintain schedules for management of pets in a pound (care, holding, observation, assist with euthanasia, and plant facility maintenance).
Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo, address the public and peers courteously and responsibly.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English and Spanish language.
Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills for animal care and facility.
Ability to maintain a valid Texas Drivers License and a good driving record.
Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of humane animal keeping practices for care and management in an animal care facility.
Knowledge of kennel sanitation, feeding, and care of animals in an animal care facility.
Knowledge of kennel maintenance and animal care facility grounds keeping practices.
Knowledge of animal disinfection, pet management, transferring from animal control to facility keeping practices.

Responsibilities

Assures pets are cared for and attended to in a humane and healthy sheltering environment.
Provides humane care for pets when impounded and/or sheltered, including feeding, care, kennel sanitation, and disinfection.
Maintains strict records of animals impounded and sheltered.
Checks on all kennels and animals upon arrival, noting their health, eating, and drinking habits, and immediately notifying the Animal Care & Control Supervisor of any issues.
Feeds and waters animals following City of Laredo Animal Care Services Department protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Collects, cleans, and washes feeding and watering bowls/pails from all kennels.
Cleans, washes, and disinfects animal kennels and cages following Standard Operating Procedures to ensure an odor-free and low-stress environment.
Disinfects animals with insecticide to prevent flea and tick infection, following strict infection control Standard Operating Procedures.
Assists Animal Control Officers and the City Veterinarian with health care, vaccinations, and prevention efforts.
Assists with observation and quarantine care and pet care management as per SOPs, records observations, and facilitates preventive measures against animal, vector, and zoonotic exposures.
Ensures pets are protected against environmental exposures and provides maintenance and support for spay and neuter and adoption services.
Inspects and examines dog licenses or other animal/vector certificates for validity of prevention measures.
Works with Animal Control Officers and City Staff to ensure efficient facility operations for humane treatment and management of animals.
Cleans offices, empties trash, mops floors, cleans restrooms, and disposes of all solid waste as per protocols.
Disposes of euthanized pets in a humane manner.
May assist the euthanasia technician and assures appropriate maintenance of the euthanasia clinic.
Ensures all equipment and supplies for kennel work, animal care, and facility operations are operational, maintained, and inventoried.
Maintains good communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.
Follows all rules of telephone courtesy in all telephone communications.
Performs other related duties as assigned.