Senior Animal Care Specialist

JOB TITLE:  Senior Animal Care Specialist

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:  Environmental Services/Animal Services

REPORTS TO:  Animal Services Division Manager

SUMMARY:   Responsible for performing activities of an Animal Care Specialist as well as performing lead activities.  This leadership will include monitoring staff performance on a day-to-day basis, preparing monthly activity reports, provide training and conduct weekly shelter evaluations.  Work is performed with limited supervision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Participates in monitoring day-to-day operation of the Animal Services and Adoption Center.  This function will include monitoring shelter documentation and data entry for accuracy.
• Complete weekly shelter inspections to document staff performance and consistency.
• Make recommendations on sick, injured or aggressive animals.
• Monitor shelter stock and approve purchase of new supplies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of common animal and zoonotic diseases.
• Knowledge of animal behavior.
• Knowledge of animal breeds.
• Knowledge of sedatives utilized on animals.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic animal anatomy.
• Knowledge of proper cleaning and sanitizing methods and procedures
• Knowledge of pet vaccination procedures including safe handling practices.
• Knowledge of common shelter diseases and proper protocols for treatment and disinfecting.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to domestic and wild animal management.
• Knowledge of the Drug Enforcement Agency’s guideline for use and storage of controlled substances.
• Skilled in caring for animals.
• Skilled in identifying common animal diseases.
• Skilled in administering sedatives to animals.
• Skilled in cleaning and sanitizing animal care facilities.
• Skilled in providing customer service.
• Skilled in restraining and handling difficult animals.
• Skilled in obtaining samples and specimens for medical testing.
• Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications.
• Skilled in communicating effectively with a variety of individuals, including good written and verbal communication skills.
• Skilled in standard/metric weight and dose conversions.
• Ability to lift up to 75lbs without assistance, including loading an animal into a transport unit.

SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead responsibility over Animal Care Specialists.
• Assist Animal Services Manager with drafting annual budget and monitor budget for shelter services.
• Assist Animal Services Manager with preparing mid-year and annual performance evaluations for shelter staff.
• Initiate Positive Performance Management to encourage strong performance and correct performance deficiencies.
• Complete accident/injury reports as needed.
• Supervise volunteers assigned to shelter services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.3-4 years of animal shelter experience as a municipal animal shelter assistant, veterinary technician or veterinary assistant.
• 3-4 years of customer service experience.
• Ability to obtain Euthanasia Technician Certification, as required by city policy, within 6 months of employment.
• Ability to obtain State of Texas Basic Animal Control Officer Certification within 1 year of employment.
• Requires a valid Texas Driver's License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• None.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequent climbing, balancing, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, talking, seeing, hearing, smelling, and manual dexterity.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of more than 100 pounds.
• Work is typically performed in both a standard office and outdoor environment, with potential exposure to adverse weather conditions.
• Work is occasionally performed in close quarters and high and precarious places.
• Potential exposure to electrical shock, vibrations, fumes or airborne particles, infectious diseases, chemicals, and criminal suspects.
• Drive pick-up truck with animal transport equipment.
• Uses two-way radios, multi-line phone system and cellular phone.
• Frequent use of medical devices including syringes, needles, droppers, swabs and medical safety equipment.
• Administers canine and feline vaccinations, to include mixing, preparation and administer.
• Utilizes animal restraint equipment including restraint pole, snake pole, snake tongs, flexible snare, several size animal traps, injured animal transport equipment, animal muzzles, halters, livestock leads and harness.
• Uses high pressure cleaning equipment.
• Utilizes personal protective equipment.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must pass pre-employment drug test.
• Must pass criminal history check.
• Must pass motor vehicle records check.
• Must maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Must obtain Euthanasia Technician Certification, as required by city policy, within 6 months of employment.
• Must obtain State of Texas Basic Animal Control Certification within 1 year of employment.

Salary : $19