Shelter Technician 1 (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

Spokane County

8d • $36,992 - $51,539 • Onsite

About The Position

This entry-level position performs routine animal care and maintains the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) Regional Shelter and surrounding grounds. Duties include cleaning and maintaining animal housing areas, facilities, equipment, and grounds; caring for impounded animals; and, as necessary, euthanizing animals and operating the facility crematorium. Work is performed under the direction of the Shelter Operations Manager or designee and in accordance with department regulations, Spokane County Code, Washington law, and departmental animal-care and protection standards.

The role may include operating a County vehicle to pick up confined, loose, or deceased animals, or to collect donations in the community. It may also involve assisting with foster animal placement and related records. Compared with the Senior Shelter Technician role, this position has no lead responsibilities, requires closer supervision, and has a narrower scope of duties. Up to three vacancies may be filled through this requisition.

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. Employment requires a criminal background check, a Washington driver’s license at hire and throughout employment, and successful completion of a Washington State Board of Pharmacy legend drug/euthanasia certificate within six months of employment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Successfully complete a criminal background check.
• Obtain a Washington State Board of Pharmacy legend drug/euthanasia certificate within six months of employment.
• Possess a valid Washington driver’s license at the time of hire and for the duration of employment.
• Knowledge of custodial methods and procedures for an animal facility and of animal care and handling.
• Effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to give and receive work direction.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, volunteers, and the public.
• Ability to perform moderately strenuous manual tasks and custodial functions that maintain a clean and sanitary environment.
• Ability to handle animals humanely in varied situations, euthanize animals, and use good judgment with potentially hostile animals.
• Ability to maintain simple records and provide exemplary customer service.
• Ability to operate general office equipment, including copiers, fax machines, telephones, personal computers, and relevant software.

Responsibilities

• Clean animal housing areas, shelter facilities, and office areas using specialized cleaning and disinfecting equipment.
• Maintain animal housing areas, indoor and outdoor fencing, and surrounding grounds.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on kennel gates, fences, doors, and equipment such as floor-care equipment, steam/pressure washers, crematoriums, and refrigeration units.
• Feed, water, and monitor impounded animals for health concerns.
• Conduct initial basic health exams, including administering vaccinations, scanning for microchips, reporting health concerns, determining whether isolation is needed, and completing related documentation.
• Handle sick, injured, and dangerous animals as necessary, and medicate animals according to department policies and procedures.
• Routinely vaccinate and microchip animals; transport animals to or from veterinarians for procedures, exams, or treatment as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of activities.
• Restrain animals for humane euthanasia and handler safety; determine and administer appropriate tranquilization and euthanasia drug dosages.
• Operate the crematorium to dispose of dead animals.
• May assist with foster animal exams and check-ups, arranging medical care, orienting foster parents, matching animals with foster homes, responding to foster-related questions, coordinating transitions to offsite adoption events, and maintaining electronic records.
• May operate a County vehicle to pick up confined, loose, or deceased animals from the public, businesses, or roadways.
• May pick up donated items from local businesses and private parties.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.
• Contribute to a safe and positive work environment and demonstrate County values in daily work and interactions.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health and related benefit contributions, including medical, dental, life insurance, and long-term disability; actual benefits vary based on enrollment choices.
• Leave benefits are included in the total compensation estimate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED