ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST - PHIG

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
The Animal Care Specialist focuses on direct, hands-on animal care, daily enrichment, and positive public engagement. Vaccinating animals on intake is a d responsibility of the entire Animal Care team.

• Provide daily in-kennel and out-of-kennel enrichment for animals in the shelter, including play, exercise, and appropriate socialization.
• Handle animals safely and humanely in accordance with shelter protocols, including assisting with intake vaccination and related animal handling as needed.
• Conduct citizen meet-and-greets to support adoptions, foster placements, and positive community interactions.
• Assist the front desk as needed (e.g., directing visitors, answering basic questions, and supporting customer flow).
• Support animal marketing efforts by assisting with photos and videos for social media and other promotional channels.
• Ensure animals with special needs have correct and visible kennel signage and that staff and visitors are informed of relevant handling/behavior notes.
• Assist with owner-surrender calls and in-person surrender interviews; follow required procedures and documentation standards.
• Complete required specialized trainings for adoptions and owner-surrender processes, as assigned.
• Complete behavior and enrichment training as assigned; apply learned techniques under the direction of the Animal Care Supervisor.

Under the direction and training of the Animal Care Supervisor, support community education and outreach by attending events and visiting schools to promote animal welfare, bite prevention, and safety.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:
Driver’s License Required – Y Type – C

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge and experience in animal positive based training methods as well as veterinary medicine knowledge and experience obtained by education or work experience in a veterinary clinic preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Note: This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position. Additionally, please be aware of the legend below when referring to the physical demands of each essential function.

(S) Sedentary (L) Light (M) Medium (H) Heavy (V) Very Heavy
Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time. Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally; 10 lbs. frequently; or negligible amounts constantly; OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree. Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally; 10-25 lbs. frequently; or up to 10 lbs. constantly. Exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally; 10-25 lbs. frequently; or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly. Exerting over 100 lbs. occasionally; 50-100 lbs. frequently; or up to 20-50 lbs. constantly.
# Code Essential Functions
1 L Regular and reliable attendance in compliance with given schedules is a mandatory requirement of this position. Schedules may be subject to change with or without advance notice
2 L Provides clerical support by maintaining spreadsheets as well as reconciling vouchers and licenses for animals being reclaimed. Travels to area veterinary clinics to pick up rabies vouchers and City licenses and processes proper paperwork. Will act as a backup to complete the daily deposit.
3 L Ensures animals are logged into tracking system appropriately and updated as required.
4 M Provides support to the Animal Care & Adoption Supervisor and confers with other staff members on the health and behavior of animals in the shelter and ensures basic needs are met. Is a member of the Shelter Best Practice Team.
5 L Assists with social media and volunteer programs.
6 L Provides customer service and support to citizens contacting the shelter by phone or in person requesting information on reclaims, adoptions or other policies and procedures. Acts as backup to the Front Desk as necessary. Excellent communication and customer service abilities to engage with the public, support adoptions, and assist visitors.
7 L Performs hands-on animal care duties, including cleaning, lifting, and moving animals.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:
-Description of Minimum Job Requirements-
Experience-Related Requirements Over six months and up to and including one year.
Vocational/ Educational Preparation Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent.