Animal Caretaker

We are looking for a compassionate, dependable, and hardworking individual to join our team in providing exceptional care for animals in our shelter. In this hands-on role, you will perform skilled and manual work involving the daily care, feeding, handling, monitoring, and sanitation of impounded animals while helping maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming shelter environment.

As an Animal Caretaker, you will:

• Clean and sanitize animal runs, cages, equipment, and shelter facilities daily in accordance with shelter protocols and applicable state regulations, while performing general janitorial and grounds maintenance.
• Maintain equipment and tools in a clean, organized, and safe working condition.
• Provide daily care for impounded animals, including feeding, watering, handling, and monitoring their health and well-being.
• Administer or assist with administering vaccinations and medications in accordance with shelter protocols, veterinarian instructions, and applicable authorization requirements.
• Monitor animals for signs of illness or injury and assist with authorized diagnostic testing when needed.
• Transport animals to and from veterinary appointments, adoption events, and other approved locations.
• Assist the public with shelter services in a courteous, professional, and compassionate manner.
• Complete and process shelter records, reports, and other operational paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.
• Deliver documents to County offices and pick up supplies necessary for shelter operations.
• Assist with euthanasia decisions in accordance with applicable laws, shelter policies, and authorized direction, and perform euthanasia when properly certified and authorized.
• Support shelter outreach through special events, adoption events, and promotional activities.
• Maintain professionalism while responding to stressful or emotionally challenging situations involving animals, coworkers, and members of the public.

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent. 
• Must possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. 
• Experience performing manual work and caring for or handling animals is preferred. 
• Must be able to obtain and maintain any certification required by applicable law to perform animal euthanasia within the timeframe established by the County.
• Required rabies and hepatitis vaccinations must be obtained and maintained as a condition of employment, subject to applicable law and any approved accommodation.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments, as operational needs require.

Physical Demands: Requires the ability to safely handle and restrain animals of varying sizes and temperaments, lift and carry up to 50 pounds, and frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, grip, and climb. Must also be able to recognize signs of animal illness, injury, or distress using visual, auditory, and olfactory senses.

Environmental Conditions: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including exposure to extreme temperatures and wet or humid environments. The position involves working with chemicals, hazardous drugs, and aggressive or unpredictable animals, as well as frequent exposure to emotionally challenging situations.

To learn more about Frederick County, Virginia employee benefits, please visit the following webpage: https://www.fcva.us/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits 

All positions are subject to a criminal background check for any convictions that relate to the job duties and responsibilities. Frederick County Virginia Government is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The County’s EEO Utilization Report is available at www.fcva.us/jobs