Animal Care Technician

HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

AL NIENHUIS, SHERIFF

JOB TITLE: ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN

BUREAU: LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS

SUPERVISED BY: ANIMAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR

PAY GRADE: 06N CREATED: 11/10/2024

FLSA STATUS: NON - EXEMPT REVISED:

Characteristics Of The Class

Under the direction of the Supervisor, the Animal Care Technician is responsible for ensuring the well-being and health of the animals under their care. Key duties include cleaning and sanitizing cages and kennels to maintain a safe and hygienic environment, feeding animals and monitoring their dietary needs, and preparing daily enrichment activities to support their mental and physical health. The role requires compassion, attention to detail, and a commitment to animal welfare, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

[NOTE]: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Essential Job Functions

• Maintain all kennels, livestock housing, animal runs, floors, hallways and reception area (clean, disinfect, sanitize). Launder bedding, toys, supplies, etc. Performs manual custodial/housekeeping tasks and preventative maintenance of equipment.
• Provide daily care for all animals housed at the shelter (domestic animals, livestock, and/or exotic animals), including preparing/providing food and fresh water. Provide daily animal enrichment services (see Enrichment Guide).
• Observes shelter animals and reports signs of illness, aggression, etc.
• Assist with intake of animals to include, chip scan, heartworm test, deworming, vaccinations, check for injuries/illness, evaluation of behavior, and kennel assignment. Records details on each animal (name, weight, food intake, chip number, license number, etc.).
• Participates in special events (on site and/or off-site) to promote animals available for adoption.
• Assists with emergency calls, calls involving a large number of animals, calls requiring additional personnel in the field, and other calls as directed by supervisory personnel.
• At the direction of the Veterinarian and/or the Director, may perform and/or assist with euthanasia.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• During an emergency, the Sheriff will determine who is considered an essential worker to maintain necessary operations of the animal shelter. This determination is subject to change based on staffing and operational needs of the agency.
  
  

Qualifications B. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Training and Experience
• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Valid Florida Driver License which must be maintained throughout employment.
• One (1) year of animal handling and/or clerical experience preferred.
• Successful completion of state required euthanasia certification within one (1) year of employment.
• Ability to learn animal shelter operations to include care, common illnesses behavior, impoundment procedures, animal handling equipment, animal safety and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to always use sound judgment and maintain emotional stability while dealing with high stress situations. Ability to always maintain a professional demeanor.
• Ability to maintain precise and detailed records of all activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with citizens, coworkers, volunteers, rescue groups, etc.
• Ability to effectively operate both shelter management software and commonly used office software and/or programs.
• Ability to demonstrate effective verbal communication and prepare written documents using proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and form.
• Ability to work in an environment that will contain animals, which may be aggressive and/or diseased. Work environment may contain fleas, ticks, and/or other parasites. Animal euthanasia and storage of deceased animals will occur in this work environment. The animal shelter participates in the local inmate work program and inmates will be on property and always supervised
• Ability to use euthanasia equipment and chemicals, cleaning and disinfecting chemicals, animal handling equipment, pressure washer, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to transport animals to various locations.
  
  

Essential Physical Skills

• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Ability to stretch, stoop, bend, kneel, reach and climb frequently.
• Ability to physically control highly active and/or aggressive animals, potentially weighing 80 pounds or more.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer