Job Description
Job Title: Part Time Animal Caretaker Reports to: The Kennel Supervisor and Animal Operations Manager Hours: Approx. 20 hours/week. This is a regular part time position, and is not a seasonal position. This position requires weekend and holiday availably. Employees are required to work one weekend day as part of their weekly schedule. Pay Rate: $15.00/hour Scope of Position: Responsible for providing high quality care to the animals in the shelter. Duties include but are not limited to: daily cleaning of all animal cages and enclosures; providing daily water and appropriate diets to all animals; Daily behavior and health observations and record keeping; Communication with all appropriate departments regarding behavior and health concerns; Detailed record keeping and data entry; handling and restraining a variety of animals in a safe and humane manner; providing guidance and training to volunteers and coworkers. Duties and Responsibilities Daily Cleaning, Feeding and General Care 70% Efficiently clean and maintain all domestic animal enclosures, providing proper animal husbandry, following established disease control protocols. Deep cleaning and set up of all vacated animal enclosures. Provide food and water daily to all animals in accordance with established feeding guidelines. Carefully observe animal health and behavior Complete daily animal bookwork and data entry in pet record software. Assist with laundry and dishes Deep clean animal carriers. Assist with all opening, noon, afternoon, and closing duties. Ensure the cleanliness and organization of assigned work area, including daily removal of trash and clutter. Maintain outside of buildings in a clean and orderly manner. Repair or report any broken or damaged equipment in a timely manner Restock all work areas Work Cooperatively; provide training and courteous assistance to volunteers and coworkers Other duties as required. Internal Communications 15% Report/consult with shelter medical staff about animal medical concerns. Inform Animal Operations Manager and/or Kennel Supervisor of animals that may not be suitable for adoption, space issues and anything else that would reduce the flow of animals from the admitting rooms to other areas within the shelter. Monitor inventory of supplies and notify appropriate personnel when supplies are needed. Enter all information into the computer especially when moving animals to new locations. Keep all paperwork and addendums updated and accurate including treatment records. Communicate effectively and completely on all documentation, including date, time, and initials. Communicate with the Canine Behavior Team and Cat/Critter rounds per behavior and well- being of the animals while in the shelter. Communicate with the Adoption Center about any pertinent animal information. Other duties as assigned. Animal Handling and Enrichment 15% Handle and restrain a variety of animals in a safe and humane manner as needed. Provide bathroom breaks to the dog population as needed. Assist with grooming of animals as needed. Provide safe movement of animals to different enclosures Promote the mental health of the animals by providing enrichment including exercise, walks, activities, and human companionship. Participate in behavior shaping/training of animals to enhance their adoptability Other duties as assigned. Additional Job Duties Comply with all DCHS policies, procedures and protocols. Field general inquiries from public, always maintaining a calm, courteous manner. Other duties as required Qualifications/Requirements Be 18 years of age. High school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary education in animal science or a related field is a plus. Previous experience or specialized training in animal care and handling is preferred. Demonstrate keen observation and critical evaluation skills with meticulous attention to detail. Team oriented with good public relations, communications, and people skills. Ability to work efficiently and independently Ability to perform repetitive tasks, multi-task, and work well under pressure. Ability to squat, bend, reach, pull, lift and carry 50 pounds, walk and stand for 8 or more hours. Ability to work in conditions with exposure to animal allergens and cleaning animal excrement. Ability to work in