Description

Position Summary:

• The mission of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is to promote and strengthen the human-animal bond - as well as to foster the understanding and enjoyment of companion animals - in a fun, engaging and interactive setting.
• The Animal Care Specialist is responsible for providing high quality care to the animals within Annenberg PetSpace. Also, responsible for ensuring proper cleaning protocols for all animal care areas and following proper training and enrichment protocols. This role also provides counseling and education for the general public, when appropriate.
• The schedule for this position will be for up to three and a half days per week (Saturday & Sunday availability required). Shift times may vary: 6:30am - 3:00pm or 11:30am - 8:00pm. 
• This is a temporary position for up to six months depending on the needs of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace. 
• Must be 18 years or older to be employed with Wallis Annenberg PetSpace.

Essential Position Functions: The list that follows is not intended to be comprehensive; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of the position. Incumbents may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Clean and maintain all animal care areas, providing proper animal husbandry while following approved procedures and using appropriate products. 
• Feed all animals their required diet and in the appropriate rations. 
• Provide enrichment to animals to include utilizing exercise areas/walks, activities and human companionship. 
• Complete daily health and behavior observations of all animals. 
• Participate in behavior shaping/training of animals to enhance their adoptability. 
• Assist with morning, midday and evening duties as appropriate. 
• Assist with grooming & bathing of animals as needed. 
• Ensure all dishes, laundry, and animal carriers are sanitized daily. 
• Restock and perform inventory of animal care areas. 
• Support and assist potential adopters in selecting appropriate animals given their requirements. 
• Update and maintain the adoption software with adoption content (e.g. animal photos, descriptions). 
• Train volunteers in the proper techniques for successful animal care. 
• Coordinate with staff and volunteers to ensure best animal handling practices. 
• Ensure all operational procedures are followed. 
• Work with the behaviorist to communicate behavior treatment plans to animal care and adoption staff. 
• Communicate in an effective and professional manner with public and Annenberg PetSpace staff members. 
• Assist with training and supervision of volunteers. 
• Participate in public education programming (i.e. pop-up presentations, behind the scenes clinic tours, etc.). 
• Represent Annenberg PetSpace in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

Requirements

Experience: 

• Minimum of 1 year working in animal welfare, preferably in an animal shelter or rescue environment. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Excellent animal handling skills. 
• Excellent customer service skills. 
• Basic knowledge and ability to understand aspects of disease and the causes and treatment of animal-related problems. 
• Critical evaluation and observation skills. 
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and selected software/databases. 
• Effective written and oral communication skills with ability to compose routine correspondence. 
• Possess the ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions. 
• Possess poise, professionalism, diplomacy, teamwork and the ability to interact with people from all walks of life. 
• An individual who can contribute to the culture of respect for all individuals and animals. 
• Commitment to, and passion for, the mission of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace.

Physical Demands: 

• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, grasp grip, put fingers together firmly and reach above and below shoulder level and lift, push or pull 50 pounds for situations of restraining or moving animals and lifting food and animal care supplies, repetitively use hands to operate computers; flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist. Will be required to clean and care for animals.

Work Conditions: 

• Standard office environment with exposure to environmental conditions that include working near and caring for animals.

Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation, PetSpace, is a company that respects the uniqueness of each employee and offers everyone the means to find their place and thrive. We promote initiatives aimed at supporting professional equality for everyone. We strive to go above and beyond purely symbolic measures by building a culture focused on meaningful strategies aimed at creating an inclusive workforce.

Upon notice, the company engages with applicants and employees requesting reasonable accommodations. Please notify Human Resources to explore further.