Animial Shelter Technician

About the Department

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK: 

An employee in this class performs a variety of duties associated with the care and maintenance of the animal shelter. Responsibilities include routing incoming animals, data entry, animal examinations, vaccinations and treatments as directed by vet of record. Work requires that the employee keeps animal containment areas clean and sanitized; maintains the facility grounds; and ensures the safety and health of animals within the facility. The employee feeds and cares for the animals housed in the shelter but must also euthanize animals on an as needed basis. Work also requires the employee to maintain supplies, equipment, and necessary records. The shelter is a busy environment with lots of hands-on animal care in addition to providing excellent customer service to the general public by answering phones, creating reports for calls for service, overseeing meet and greets and performing adoptions. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Animal Control Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Report, monitor and record animal health, behavioral and disease control issues.
• Administer and keep accurate records of medications, vaccinations and other health related substances as instructed.
• Provide animal husbandry and sanitation services as instructed.
• Perform and record basic temperament testing for potential adoptable animals.
• Answer telephones, receive, record and file service requests and reports manually and using electronic technology, dispatching information to the appropriate agency, organization or personnel.
• Assist in and perform animal euthanasia as instructed.
• Assist in the solicitation and recruitment of donations, volunteers and rescue organizations.
• Report animal shelter supply and equipment needs.
• Receive animals and assist visitors with animal control and welfare requests, claiming and adopting animals.
• Collect fees and other monies, provide receipts.
• Prepare and advertise selected animals using digital cameras, assist in writing marketing text and designing display ads.
• Write, upload and receive information and literature using the internet, email and other electronic media.
• Respond to emergencies as required.
• Performs animal care duties such as preparing food, feeding, and providing water
• Cleaning and disinfecting kennels and cages; washing litter pans, food bowls, and laundry; sweeping and mopping floors; picking up fecal material; washing and sweeping debris from walls, beds, kick plates, and dog run areas. 
• Determines if animals can be placed for adoption, also works with the public on animal adoptions and redemptions; works with animal rescues to obtain maximum live outcome dispositions of unadoptable animals with health or mild temperament issues. 
• Monitors sick, quarantined, and injured animals and observes them for unusual physical and behavioral conditions; segregates and isolates animals to control the spread of disease. 
• Performs euthanasia, using state approved methods, of dangerous, sick or surplus animals. 
• Assists in preparing rabies specimens and ensures a timely delivery to the laboratory for testing.
• Maintains appropriate records; answers general inquiries concerning adoption of pets and lost and found animals.
• Performs necessary weekend, afterhours and holiday schedule work as needed. Will be scheduled to rotate weekends with other staff members to feed animals and clean animal shelter. 
• Supervises Community Service workers, Interns, and Volunteers as assigned.
• Perform related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

General knowledge of dog and cat breeds, behavior, basic veterinary needs, common ailments and zoonosis. Working knowledge of the County Policies and Procedures, the NC Animal Welfare Act and regulations pertaining to rabies control/prevention and euthanasia. Working knowledge of common and industry specific office equipment and software. Ability to legibly and accurately record information and deal tactfully with the general public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and some experience in working with small animals; or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling and lifting. Vocal communication is required for expressing and exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, operation of motor vehicles or equipment and observation of general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to outside environmental conditions, noise and hazards. The worker may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens and animal inflicted injuries and may be required to wear protective personal equipment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina.  Ability to obtain NC Rabies Vaccinator Certification and Injectable Euthanasia Technician Certification within nine months of hire. Must be able to receive a series of rabies prophylactic vaccines within three months of hire.