Animal Care Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (“the GBHS”) is a progressive animal welfare shelter whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome homeless, abused, neglected and abandoned animals. We are committed to an open admissions policy, animal rehabilitation and a low euthanasia rate. GBHS’ open intake and adoption philosophy is a key part of our progressive mission, enabling us to save and rehome thousands of animals each year.

The Animal Care Specialist will be responsible for providing and ensuring proper care to dogs, cats, and other animals at the shelter. 

PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the Impoundment Manager and serves as a member of the animal care team.

• Interacts daily with veterinary assistants, adoption counselors, transport coordinator, volunteers, the general public, and potential adopters.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs cleaning details as directed by immediate supervisor and animal welfare standards
• Responsible for feeding, cleaning, and the treatment of animals including but not limited to walking, bathing, exercise, and behavior.
• Assists with the loading and unloading of animals with the transport driver
• Assists in cleaning, sanitizing, and storing of crates and equipment
• Works compassionately with injured and mistreated animals
• Ensures the comfort and cleanliness of all animals on the adoption floor
• Ensures animal areas are clean and orderly and stocked with food, litter, newspaper and other essential items
• Understands basic animal infectious disease and willingness to prevent contagious spread
• Ensures animal areas are clean and orderly and stocked with food, litter, newspaper and other essential items
• Documents behavior observations as needed and report them to manager
• Documents medical observations to clinic staff immediately
• Responsible for maintaining up to date identification cards and neck bands for all animals
• Assists in maintaining overall facility cleaning standards
• Assists with laundry tasks and general cleaning maintenance on a daily basis
• Assists in enrichment and behavior as directed and show compassionate when working with all animals
• Works collaboratively and communicates effectively with other members of the adoption team, as well as with other staff
• Attends staff meetings and provide constructive feedback 
• Maintains personal appearance and uniform so as to appear professional at all times
• Works closely with GBHS Volunteers in conjunction with the GBHS mission
• Observes and follow strict nutrition and medical guidelines per veterinarian as directed
• Provides basic customer assistance and relations when needed
• Provides general information to visiting patrons. For ex. Donors, school tours, general public
• Performs such other duties as required by Manager
• Follows all GBHS policies and protocols
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• A passion for the mission of GBHS and a sense of humor are required
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work, punctual attendance is required
• Experience working with animals in veterinary, boarding, or a shelter environment preferred
• Knowledge of animal handling and communication preferred
• Working weekends may be required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work well in a team environment including a positive attitude and ability to get along with others

Education Requirements

Minimum of high school education or GED equivalent; customer service experience and a basic understanding of animal welfare; intermediate computer skills; meets minimum general requirements for GBHS employment as set forth in GBHS employee handbook.

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform physical work involving standing for long periods, carrying animal crates, bending, scrubbing, mopping, walking quickly, reaching, squatting and other such assigned duties with ease and in a timely fashion. Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds or up to 75lbs with reasonable accommodation; ability to work weekends and evenings as necessary; meets minimum general requirements for GBHS employment as set forth in GBHS employee handbook. 

Work Environment

This work is performed in a high noise level area. Exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, zoonotic (human to animal) diseases, bites and scratches. Weekend shifts may be required. Safety procedures must be adhered to at all times. Must be able to work with and around animals of all types (cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, etc.). Exposure to conditions such as animal feces, urine, etc. and foul odors. May be exposed to animal dander, parasites and infectious diseases than can be carried and transmitted by animals. Must be able to work in an environment that provides humane euthanasia to animals.

The GBHS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of GBHS to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.