LEAD ANIMAL SHELTER ASSISTANT

City of Killeen (TX)•Killeen, TX

59d

About The Position

Performs clerical work, answers phones, dispatches calls for service, monitors radio traffic, and provides customer service. Provides care, food, and water for animals. Cleans and sanitizes animal cages/kennels/enclosures, and cleans the building, facilities, and grounds. Enforces animal and rabies control regulations and provides information regarding applicable laws/ordinances. Performs or assists with the euthanasia process. Under general supervision of the Killeen Shelter Manager, directly supervises Animal Shelter Assistants, creates and organizes staff schedules, daily task assignments, and facilitates training for Animal Shelter Assistants. Assists in drafting, implementing, and training staff on new and existing policies and procedures.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent; and,
Two (2) years related experience
Must possess a valid driver's license or obtain one by date of hire.
Must be able to take rabies pre-exposure vaccination series.
Ability to work a rotating schedule, to include weekends and occasionally holidays, may be require.
Must obtain state euthanasia certification within 180 days of employment date.
Must be able to read, write, and comprehend the English language.
Ability to meet the special requirements listed below.
Required to learn and apply proper techniques for the use of animal restraint and capture equipment.
Ability to deal effectively and objectively with the public, using tact, sometimes in hostile and/or high-volume situations.
Ability to read and interpret laws and regulations governing the animal control operations.
Must be able to learn and apply computer operating skills in word processing and data entry.
Must be able to learn and apply cognitive thinking in collecting and posting information in a software program for the purpose of documentation.
Must be able to read, interpret, and comply with policy and procedure as set forth by the City of Killeen.
Must be able to demonstrate and provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, supervisors, and the public.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Must have the ability to remain objective in difficult and stressful situations.
Must be a team player who consistently works for the betterment of the department.
Requires ability to learn various breeds of domesticated, non-domesticated and exotic animals and their behavior and traits.
Ability to work a rotating schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years experience in animal care or husbandry preferred, or
Two (2) years public contact work experience in an animal shelter environment or
Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Creates and organizes staff schedules and daily task assignments for Animal Shelter Assistants.
Conducts training for Animal Shelter Assistants and assists in drafting and implementing new and existing policies and procedures.
Documents training progress for Animal Shelter Assistants and assists in recording and maintaining all related records.
Conducts searches for appropriate data retrieval within department files and records.
Performs departmental-specific functions by maintaining proper sanitation according to department standards by cleaning and/or sanitizing animal cages, walls, windows, and flooring.
Shows adoptable animals to potential adopters.
Observes animals and reports any signs of illness, distress, or safety issues.
Ensures all animals have adequate food and water by replenishing supplies.
Ensures all animals are properly identified.
Keeps outside exercise areas free of solid waste.
Provides food, water, humane care, and treatment for minor injuries to sick, impounded, and surrendered animals.
Operates washing machines and dryers to clean laundry.
Washes pet bowls and litterboxes and uses dishwasher as applicable.
Assists with emergency situations within the animal shelter.
Responds to citizen inquiries concerning the animal shelter's programs and policies. Provides accurate summaries related to calls dispatched.
Updates and maintains files to assist with the documentation and reporting requirements of the facility.
Performs or assists with the euthanasia process.
Dispenses information, prepares reports, forms, and facilitates contracts for pet owners and adopters.
Receives and posts fee payments for customers and prepares financial reconciliation forms.
Facilitates questions regarding animal laws, care and disposal of animals, and other matters pertaining to the animal shelter and its mission.
Initiates and completes required forms pertaining to animal bites, surrendered animal intake, impounded animals, and animal adoption.
Assists citizens in the adoption process, providing information and knowledge as it relates to the animals being considered.
Updates and maintains files to assist with the documentation requirements of the facility.
Assists with off-site events such as adoption fairs and pet vaccination clinics.
Assists with duties associated with pet vaccinations and microchipping.
Maintains departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities.
Provides excellent customer service and promotes a positive and professional image of the department.
Performs other duties as assigned.