Animal Care Aid I

BASIC FUNCTIONWorking generally under the direction of the Animal Care II. This position is responsible for the care of shelter animals, record keeping, sanitation and maintenance of shelter grounds and buildings. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES"*" denotes an essential function of the job*Has the ability to deal with the public in a courteous, professional manner via telephone or in person.*Has the ability or develops ability to restrain, handle and maintain any species that may come into the department's custody.*Responsible for the overall sanitation and general conditions of all kennels and shelter areas as per current protocols.*Able to recognize importance and value of teamwork, practicing this concept by assisting volunteers/employees as needed, requested, or directed.*Assists potential adopters and can direct them to appropriate staff for education on animal care and regulations.*Is able to identify animals that are suffering from serious health problems and notify Animal Care ll.*Is aware of and stays educated on current national trends in animal shelter issues and accepts training as needed.*Exercises and socializes all animals held in order to increase their adoptability.*Under the direction of the Animal Care ll, perform vaccinations, gives medication and treatments as directed in current protocols.*Able to perform record keeping, process adoptions, intakes, licensing, writing run cards and handle all appropriate records as needed using the current shelter computer*Answers the shelter phone and has the ability to take messages and answer basic*Dispatches messages to Animal Control.*Responsible for humane care and assistance with euthanasia as needed.Performs other duties as assigned.STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCEReports to work in a punctual and timely manner.Knowledge or ability to learn the principles and objectives of animal control and responsible pet ownership.Ability to understand and apply a full range of generally accepted principles and theories related to animal control and animal health and sanitation.Ability to communicate effectively in order to work with other shelter staff and provide service to the public.Ability to work with generally accepted methods and procedures.Ability to follow instructions and established procedures/protocols without direct supervision is required.Ability to follow policy yet maintain a helpful and positive atmosphere will be paramount.Maintain initiative to preserve the flow of work.Work under stress and with commitment to deadlines.Sustain interpersonal relationships which encourage openness, candor and trust, both internally and with the general public.Complete projects and/or reports in accurate and timely mannerAlways adhere to the Mission statement of the shelter.Maintain City information in a confidential manner.MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSThe duties of the position involve frequent bending and lifting up to lift 50 pounds.Ability to work as a team member.Display professional appearance, warm demeanor and positive attitude.Be a motivated self-starter.Work independently and to be accurate, efficient and organized.Manage multiple tasks simultaneously.Work under pressure with time constraints in a changing environment.WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONSConsistently exposed to animal related hazards when handling animals while assisting staff or the public.Exposure to extremes in weather conditions.A considerable portion of the work will require extensive handling of animals and cleaning chemicals.This position may require working some holidays.EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAININGAbility to effectively communicate both orally and in written form.A pleasant, friendly, and outgoing demeanor.Willingness to take on additional tasks as assigned.