Animal Care Associate Job Description

Transcription

1 Animal Care Associate Job Description Qualities Positive and enterprising attitude while embracing the daily challenges of animal care/sheltering. The candidate needs to be solution-oriented and always looking for ways to improve in fulfilling the services that we provide to the community and the animals entrusted to us. Very advanced people skills, a steadfast customer-service mindset, a team mentality, dependability, attention to detail and flexibility are essential to this position. A love of animals is a must as providing comfort and kindness is at the heart of what we do. General Under the supervision of the Shelter Manager and/or Team Leader, the Animal Care and Adoption Technician performs a variety of tasks in the maintenance and operation of the animal shelter, including but not limited to: routine clerical, secretarial and administrative work in answering phones, receiving the public, providing customer assistance, cashiering, data processing, bookkeeping, filing and typing. This person is also responsible for deep cleaning all animal areas and general areas of the shelter, feeding and caring for the animals, and operating the crematorium. The Animal Shelter Technician supervises community service volunteers, general volunteers and temporary staff. The environment can often be fast-paced and requires multi-tasking and task prioritization from the direction of their supervisor. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Comply with all RCHS Standard Operating Procedures Answer telephone calls, receive the public, respond to inquiries from citizens, clients, Animal Control Officers, law enforcement and others. Refer matters, when necessary, to appropriate persons, in a courteous and professional manner. Receive strays, surrenders, bite holds, Safe Haven Program animals and remains of animals for cremation

2 Return animals to owners, perform adoptions and return cremains to veterinary clinics or owners Serve as cashier for adoptions, holding fees, dog and cat licenses, impound fees, sales of items and other miscellaneous services Use computer to maintain office files and records related to: o Fees collected o Animal bites o Animals impounded and released o Animals unclaimed or euthanized o Cremations Issue cat and dog licenses for pets of Routt County citizens Maintain the animal shelter by cleaning and disinfecting kennels and runs daily. Follow strict and specific sanitizing protocols when dealing with strays with unknown medical history, quarantine areas and when known contagions are present in the shelter. Learn and having a detailed working knowledge of Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA) Program requirements. Ensure that all animals who are in the custody of the animal shelter are cared for, fed and watered on time, provided medications and quarantined if necessary to prevent spread of contagions Monitor the status of the shelter and ensure the areas are neat and clean at all times Perform duties related to the crematorium operation Learn and have a working knowledge of the RCHS brand, mission, core values, culture and expectations Perform other duties as assigned by the Team Leader, Shelter Manager and Executive Director Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience High School diploma or GED equivalent with specialized course work in general office practices, such as typing, filing, accounting and bookkeeping

3 Two (2) years of related or professional work experience; or any equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience Experience working with animals desired Veterinary technical experience and/or certification desired Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities We are looking for a dependable, stable, very positive, hardworking, customer service focused person with a team mentality Working knowledge of modern and professional office practices and procedures; some knowledge of accounting principles and practices Ability to perform cashier duties accurately and communicate well verbally and in writing Ability to effectively deal with the public and to handle stressful situations with professionalism An understanding of excellent customer service, diffusing conflict, demonstration of sound judgment and risk mitigation in relation to safety Ability to work in an often fast-paced environment A compassion for animals who are often stressed upon arrival Willingness to conduct basic veterinary care and assist as needed (training provided) Ability and willingness to consider taking on additional work shifts when other staff absences occur Valid driver s license required Tools and Equipment Used Phone and voic system, personal computer, Microsoft Word programs (Word/Excel/Publisher), database software programs (PetPoint), cleaning equipment, hypodermic needles, crematorium equipment Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

4 Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk; listen for animals and people; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; walk, kneel, stoop, lift heavy animals and grip The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds, although help from co-workers is usually available Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to see clearly with close vision and the ability to adjust focus Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to noisy. The employee is exposed to (but not limited to): cleaning chemical fumes, barking dogs, occasional cold and/or heat extremes while cleaning runs, animal fecal material, high temperatures while operating the crematorium, and potential bites and scratches from handling animals that could occur. Benefits Full-Time Benefits: The pay rate is $15 per hour. Performance reviews are annual after the first year with employee development programs. After 3 months of employment, benefits include: merit-based bonuses; PTO/vacation time; health (cost covered 100% by RCHS), dental and vision insurance; Simple IRA Retirement Program with a 2% employer contribution included; access to low-cost veterinary care through the RCHS contracted veterinarian and discounts for certain brands of pet food and pet medications. This position also has access to training

5 and continuing-education programs internally with RCHS and through approved external industry sources.