Shelter Assistant

Clear Creek County, Colorado•Dumont, CO

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Shelter Manager, the Shelter Assistant cleans, feeds, and cares for animals at the Clear Creek - Gilpin County Animal Shelter. The role supports daily operations of the Animal Control Office and animal holding areas and helps maintain the shelter grounds and surrounding areas. The position also assists with administrative tasks, customer and law-enforcement interactions, animal handling and impoundment, and dog behavior evaluations. The position works in an animal shelter or kennel and in an uncovered outdoor environment, with conditions that may include cold, heat, wind, rain, snow, dust, and other adverse environmental conditions. Employees may be temporarily reassigned to emergency response or disaster recovery duties during a county-declared emergency or disaster, with employee agreement and in accordance with County policy.

Requirements

Completion of high school or equivalent.
Comfort working with all breeds of dogs and cats.
Knowledge and experience handling dogs, including aggressive dogs.
Become Fear Free certified within the first three months of employment.
Have a working telephone, either a cell phone or home phone.
Hold a valid Colorado Driver's License.
Pass a criminal and traffic background check. A criminal conviction is not an absolute bar to employment.
Have United States citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
Be able to occasionally lift, push, and pull 50 pounds.
Be able to stand and walk for most of a 10-hour day.
Be able to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Have no allergies to dogs or cats, or have allergies properly controlled with medication.
Be able to sit, stand, and turn repeatedly; move quickly to avoid injury from animals; and safely manage animals, including frequently aggressive or unruly animals, using available equipment and management-prescribed tactics.
Have vision adequate to legally drive a passenger vehicle, including peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Have hearing sufficient to hear conversations and animal sounds for safe and effective job performance.

Responsibilities

Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
Clean and disinfect cages, pens, yards, and other shelter areas.
Maintain shelter grounds and surrounding areas, including keeping walkways and dog kennels clear of debris, snow, and ice.
Process laundry and keep the shelter clean and orderly.
Observe animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury and treat them according to instructions.
Transfer animals between quarters.
Inoculate, medicate, and document medication given according to instructions; shave, bathe, clip, and groom animals.
Unload and store feed and supplies.
Transport animals to and from a veterinarian.
Wash and sanitize dishes.
Clean and sanitize shelter windows, floors, walls, bathrooms, counters, and desktops.
Keep the garage, attic, and Conex building clean and organized.
Notify the Shelter Manager of building or equipment repair needs and shortages of food, medical, office, or shelter supplies.
Assist the Shelter Manager with administrative tasks, including records management and data entry.
Assist customers, Animal Control Officers, and other law enforcement personnel with handling and impounding incoming animals.
Assist with conducting behavior evaluations on dogs.
Raise issues that affect the shelter and provide information and possible solutions.
Perform emergency response or disaster recovery duties if temporarily reassigned during a County-declared emergency or disaster, subject to employee agreement.