Animal Care Specialist

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years old and have achieved a high school diploma or GED. Must possess a valid driver’s license. At least 6 months of experience in animal welfare, shelter or customer service preferred but not required.

Must be able to work with animals, including some who may display unpredictable behavior. Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors, in all weather. Must be able to use and encounter cleaners and solvents. Must tolerate exposure to noise, waste, and odor associated with animal shelter populations. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. repeatedly and complete repetitive tasks with few breaks. This role has physical demands associated with, at times, heavy manual labor.

Job Summary

This position cares for the canine and feline residents of BCHS, specifically by feeding, exercising, socializing, providing enrichment and cleaning their habitats. The Animal Care Specialist will monitor the animals for medical and behavioral changes. This position assists customers with viewing animals outside their habitats. The Animal Care Specialist must be courteous and professional to all staff, volunteers, and customers and observe all health and safety guidelines. At all times, the Animal Care Specialist must contribute enthusiastically to the positive culture and mission of BCHS.

Nature and Scope

The Animal Care Specialist works under the direction of the Kennel Manager with regular supervision and infrequent exercise of independent judgment. This role interacts with animals, staff, visitors, and volunteers.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Facilities and Operations

• Stock all kennel, animal, and cleaning supplies.
• Assist with cleaning of public areas.
• Clean, fold, and stock kennel laundry.
• Stock all animal related toys, food, and supplies.
• Ensure outside walking, parking, break, and animal areas are free of hazards and well maintained.
• Assist with the cleanliness and upkeep of the facility including putting away donations.

2. Animal Care

• Perform deep cleaning and spot cleaning of kennels, cages, and public areas while following proper disease control protocol to ensure a sterile environment.
• Remove all animal waste from assigned area.
• Socialize, exercise, and provide enrichment to the shelter population.
• Inform Behavior and Med Techs/Kennel Manager/Director of Shelter Operations of any animal behavior, health, or concerns.

3. Customer Service and Support

• Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to meet kennel operations, staffing, scheduling, or other tasks as needed.
• Work and communicate professionally with all coworkers, volunteers, and customers.
• Provide support in other departments or collective tasks as needed.
• Assist with showing animals that are available for adoption as well as answering all inquiries about adoptable animals.

4. Administrative

• Document all animal care related activities.
• Document all maintenance activities.
• Document potential adopter’s interactions with the animal on applications.

Job Factors

• Display flexibility in dealing with frequent interruption and changes in priorities.
• Maintain a positive approach to all staff, volunteers, and the public
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, professionalism, time management, and good decision-making skills with a high level of integrity and dependability.
• A high degree of verbal and writing communication skills required.
• Maintain confidentiality, discretion, integrity, patience, professionalism, and fair-mindedness.

Pay: $13.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Disability insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Uniform allowance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Animal Care: 1 year (Preferred)
• Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $13