What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Technician & Adoption Counselor position at Animal Lifeline of Iowa?
Primary Responsibilities:
The Animal Care Technician & Adoption Counselor is responsible for the direct care & adoption processing of canines & felines at the Animal Lifeline Shelter.
Essential Functions:
Direct Animal Care:
- Provide care for the shelter canines & felines, including, but not limited to, cleaning, feeding, watering, medicating, & socializing the animals to human care
- Administer medications &/or treatments, as directed by the medical care team.
- Record medication distribution to ensure accurate records, notifying management of concerns regarding animal health or behavior
- Perform cleaning tasks as scheduled, including but not limited to, facility cleaning, dishes, laundry, & restocking supplies
Adoption Processing:
- Responsible for adoption tasks such as: answering all telephone & e-mail inquiries & facilitating potential adopter/animal meetings.
- Remain familiar & current with all animals in the shelter to ensure appropriate placement with an adopter
- Screen potential adopters to assess if the placement will be a long-term success
- Approve & process adoptions
Assist in training of animal care technicians & volunteers
Comply with established policies & procedures
Maintain open communication with management & peers
Promote teamwork among staff & volunteers
Assist in increasing the visibility & positive public perception of Animal Lifeline through daily public relations, attending community events, educating potential adopters on appropriate care of animals, & providing service to the public in a courteous, responsive, & helpful manner
- Capture quality photos & videos of shelter animals for social media team use
Position Requirements:
- Experience in caring for & handling canines & felines in a safe, effective, & humane manner, including under-socialized animals
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally & in writing with internal & external individuals
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite products
- Must have the ability to lift 50 pounds & regularly ambulate uneven terrain & stairs regularly
- Access to reliable transportation, phone, text, & email
- Ability to comprehend & follow policies & procedures with maturity & good judgment
- A strong identification with the mission, vision, & values of Animal Lifeline of Iowa
- Allergies to animals or shelter conditions will disqualify otherwise qualified candidates
Preferred Knowledge and Skills:
- Experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant
- Knowledge of various breeds, their characteristics & familiarity with symptoms of diseases common to canines & felines
- Previous experience working with the public
- Google Drive Suite product experience
The above statement is intended to describe the general nature & level of work being performed by employees & is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, & skills required of employees. Furthermore, they do not establish an employment contract & are subject to change at the discretion of the Organization.