Kennel Technician

Job Summary
The Kennel Technician performs daily operational, sanitation, and animal care duties at the municipal dog holding facility. The primary responsibility of this role is to maintain a clean, safe, and humane environment for stray, abandoned, surrendered, or legally impounded dogs. Daily tasks involve rigorous cleaning and disinfecting of kennels, preparing specialized diets, providing physical exercise, and monitoring animal health and behavior. This position requires strict adherence to safety protocols to protect both staff and the animals. Reports to the Public Safety Administrative Services Manager.

Essential Functions

• Clean, sanitize, and disinfect indoor and outdoor dog kennels, runs, cages, and common facility areas daily. Safely mix and apply heavy-duty veterinary disinfectants to prevent the spread of infectious diseases (such as parvovirus or kennel cough).
• Prepare and distribute food and fresh water to all animals according to designated schedules. Accurately follow specific dietary instructions, portion controls, or medical feeding requirements for individual dogs.
• Provide daily physical exercise, structured walking, and mental enrichment for dogs of various breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
• Closely observe dogs for early signs of illness, injury, or severe stress (e.g., lethargy, coughing, loss of appetite, aggression). Promptly document and report any physical or behavioral changes to the supervisor or veterinary staff.
• Assist Animal Control Officers with the safe, humane intake and handling of newly arriving dogs, including stray or fearful animals. Properly utilize handling equipment like slip leads, catch poles, or muzzles when necessary.
• Wash, dry, and fold facility laundry (bedding, towels). Wash and sanitize food bowls and toys. Assist in maintaining overall facility organization, inventory stocking, and basic grounds keeping.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date physical and digital logs regarding animal behavior, food intake, medication administration, and kennel assignments within the facility's shelter management software.
• Politely greet and assist members of the public who are searching for lost pets, dropping off strays, or viewing animals for potential rescue placement.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
High School Diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Prior professional or volunteer experience working with animals in a kennel, shelter, veterinary clinic, or daycare setting is highly preferred.

The City of Foley provides excellent benefits including paid health, dental, and life insurance, retirement through State of Alabama Retirement Systems, disability income coverage, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave and annual merit raises. Successful applicants must have a valid driver's license and pass a criminal background check (including driving history), pre-employment physical and drug screen.