Position Summary: Animal Care Attendants provide care to all animals (domestic, exotic, and wildlife) and maintain kennels and surrounding areas. The Animal Care Attendant cleans cages, feed, water, groom, and exercise animals according to prescribed regimens. The Animal Care Attendant also does laundry, provides enrichment and clean bedding for all animals. The Animal Care Attendant escorts visitors through the building searching for lost animals, visiting pets, and visiting adoption animals. The Animal Care Attendant provides education to the customer on basic animal care and behavior and has the ability to be comfortable working with animals of all types.

A typical work week may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities:

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• Cleans animal cages and kennels in accordance with established procedures; monitors the cleanliness of cages and kennels throughout the day, sweeps and mops the public hallways and corridors of the Shelter as necessary.
• Transfers animals between quarters; feeds, waters, grooms and exercises animals according to prescribed schedules and regimens.
• Maintains feeding charts and the accurate records of animals’ appetites, bowel movements and urination throughout the day.
• Maintains food preparation area in a clean and sanitary condition.
• Assists Veterinary Attendants including placing animals in assigned cages and kennels. Assists Veterinary Attendants in the physical examination and first aid treatment of animals.
• Bathes and grooms animals as directed.
• Answers questions from Animal Shelter visitors concerning Shelter policies, practices and procedures.
• Escorts visitors to and from the various Shelter areas and kennels; assists visitors in locating lost pets. Helps customers use the lost and found boards located in the kennel and assists visitors to view adoptable animals.
• Unloads, unpacks and stores animal food, equipment and supplies.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a GED certificate.
• Detail oriented and able to prioritize and perform duties efficiently, effectively and independently.
• Experience in the care of animals in a veterinary hospital, animal clinic, animal control facility or a licensed animal kennel preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast paced environment with a variety of people.
• Ability to work with animals, disinfectants, and cleaning supplies
• Ability to assess, detect and recognize animal behavior and health that is potentially dangerous for both humans and/or animals..
• Ability to perform physical work; bending, lifting, walking and standing for up to 10 hours a day
• Ability to understand and communicate Shelter policies and procedures effectively to the general public.
• Ability to work as a team member, to accomplish the goal of a positive and professional atmosphere in the Shelter.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Ability to maintain clean and sanitary conditions in an animal facility.
• Basic knowledge of animal care.
• Knowledge of the identification of breeds, care, grooming, behavior and handling of animals of all types.
• Ability to follow both written and verbal directions concerning the care, handling and disposition of animals of all types.
• Ability to do simple math calculations.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills including working with potentially difficult customers.
• Ability to modify work schedule to meet BARCS operational needs.
• Ability to exercise good judgment when dealing with confidential information
• Committed to maintaining the BARCS high standard of animal care and mission

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an animal shelter that operates seven days a week, with exposure to conditions such as dust, wetness, odors, high noise level, etc. Work requires physical exertion such as, but not limited to, standing most of the day, bending often to interact with animals, lifting animals of all shapes and sizes, with an average weight of 50 pounds, lifting bags of litter and food, etc. There is exposure to: sharp objects, cleaning agents, animal waste, zoonotic diseases, dangerous or fractious animals, and potentially hazardous conditions including the risk of animal scratches and bites. There is also exposure to friendly, loving animals in need of your affection.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person