What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kennel Technician position at Catawba County Government?
Catawba County Emergency Services is seeking a compassionate and dependable Kennel Technician to join the Animal Services team. In this role, you will provide daily care to animals in the shelter, ensuring they receive proper feeding, cleaning, medical attention, and enrichment. You’ll assist with intake and inventory, support outreach events and clinics, and assist in reuniting lost pets with their families. This position is ideal for someone with a strong work ethic, excellent multitasking and communication skills, and a genuine passion for animal welfare.
The schedule is 40 hours a week, Saturday - Wednesday, 8 AM - 5 PM, with some holiday work required to care for the needs of animals.
- Intake of animals, including computer input, vaccination, and temperament evaluation
- Care for animals, including cleaning and sanitizing kennels and animals, as well as feeding and watering
- Assessing and organizing proper medical care
- Socializing animals
- Inventory and tracking of animals
- Assisting the public with questions over the phone and in person
- Out taking and returning animals to their owners
- Keeping up to date with lost and found reports
- Assisting with various clinics (spay/neuter, etc.), outreach events (foster, adoption, etc.), or veterinarian appointments; transporting animals as needed
- Euthanizing animals, as needed, that are sick, injured, or do not meet the criteria for adoption or rescue
- High school diploma or GED equivalent, along with customer service experience and the demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position
- Previous experience working with and interacting with animals is required. (This experience must be included in the application to be considered.)
- NC Certified Euthanasia Technician or ability/willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe
- Certified Rabies Vaccinator or ability/willingness to obtain certification within a specified timeframe
- Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
- Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently and in a team
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced environment
- Highly compassionate
- Strong understanding of animal behavior and care, along with the ability to interact positively and safely with all kinds of animals
- Demonstrates a high level of professionalism with excellent customer service and the ability to handle the public tactfully
- Proficient in computer skills and capable of inputting data into the animal tracking system
- This position is considered Heavy Work, lifting up to 50 pounds daily and occasionally up to 100 pounds with an assistant. It includes substantial physical labor such as lifting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping to clean kennels and care for animals.