Animal Technician

Position Summary:Under the supervision of the Kennel or Transfer Supervisor, the Animal Technician is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing animal holding areas as required. Counsel customers on responsible pet ownership and searching for pet(s). Assist in photographing animals. Data entry of animal and customer information. Participates in various educational programs. May witness humane euthanasia of animals.

Job Duties:

25% Animal Care
Responsible for the daily feeding and watering of all animals.
Assists in reviewing health status of animals.
Advises veterinary staff of any medical problems with animals.
Humanely transports animals from intake areas to assigned pens and as needed.
Ensures that animals are in assigned pens with appropriate identification and correct information is entered in database.

Other Duties &
Responsibilities

25% Public Relations
Assists customers with searching kennel areas for pets.
Counsel customers on responsible pet ownership and adoption
Answers basic animal health and care questions.
Portrays a professional image and courteous attitude.
Ensures that all animals leaving shelter are wearing identification tags.
Works animal shelter partners and other organizations as needed.

25% Facility and Equipment Maintenance
Responsible for daily sanitation and maintenance of animal holding pens and cages.
Responsible for completing weekly maintenance duties.
Advises supervisor of any maintenance problems.
Cleans, stores and maintains all equipment necessary for feeding, watering and care of animals.

20% Records
Responsible for counting all animals and tracking kennel inventory.
Assist in daily task of photographing and updating information in database
Data entry of applications for adoption
Data entry of kennel admissions and updating records as needed

5% Other
Other duties as assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event.

Core Competencies: Organizational Leadership
Understands the organizational mission
Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others

Collaboration
Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs

Innovation
Ability to adapt to change

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics
Uses sound judgement
Self-motivated and proactive
Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity

Communication
Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Written and verbal English competency
Able to read and follow directions

Minimum Qualifications:Education Requirements:
High school diploma or GED

Licenses/Certifications Required: N/A

Experience Requirements:
Three (3) months customer service experience

Computer Proficiency:
Knowledge of Windows Operating System is required.

Special Skills:
Must be comfortable working with aggressive or frightened animals dogs and cats.
Must be willing to learn how to vaccinate, restrain and implant microchips on dogs and cats.
The ability to be compassionate toward the animals and people we serve
The ability to work humanely with aggressive, frightened animals
Communicates effectively and appropriately. Uses good judgment as to what to communicate to whom as well as the best way to get that accomplished. Speaks in a clear and credible manner, selecting the right tone for the situation and audience
Consistently conveys that customers are the highest priority. Respects customer needs and expectations and lets customers know if their expectations cannot be met. Refrains from complaining about (or speaking negatively about) customer behavior or expectations

Preferences:Experience Preferred:
Six (6) months experience in an animal shelter or animal care setting
Six (6) months experience with administering vaccinations, implanting microchips and restraining animals.

Computer Proficiency:
Experience with Chameleon Shelter Software is preferred.

Special Skills:
Bilingual (Spanish) is preferred.
Work Environment:Physical Requirements:
Must be able to lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
Will require long periods of time standing and able to bend for cleaning cages.
Will be required to work weekends or on holidays
Employment Type: Contractor