What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Technician position at Homeward Trails Animal Rescue?
Would you like to get paid to help homeless dogs find their forever homes? Homeward Trails Animal Rescue is looking for highly motivated, hard working Animal Care Technicians to join their Trails Home Farm team! Animal Care Technicians will not only get to spend their days with some of the cutest dogs on earth, they will participate in our 4-level training curriculum. In this training program, staff members will learn how to identify dog body language, leash handling skills, our adoption process, and much more!
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue is a nonprofit animal rescue in Northern Virginia. We rescue hundreds of animals each year from low income, rural shelters and from partners in Puerto Rico and internationally. Dogs we rescue are placed either in foster homes or in our Adoption Center until they are adopted.
The Trails Home Farm is a unique shelter in that it is centered around frequent socialization for the dogs through playgroups, which offer great opportunities for our dogs to receive daily exercise, enrichment, and socialization. Dogs also enjoy access to large fenced fields and leash walks on the property.
Animal Care Technicians play a crucial part at the Trails Home Farm, supporting the physical and behavioral health of the dogs, running playgroups, maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of the facility, and facilitating adoptions with the public.
Responsibilities:
- Assisting with playgroups in accordance with Homeward Trails guidelines
- Feeding dogs and monitoring eating habits
- Maintain work areas clean, clutter-free, and organized
- Follow procedures for run/kennel cleaning to ensure animals housing areas are kept clean and sanitary
- Ensuring dogs always have clean bedding and water
- Assisting medical staff with physical care of dogs
- Groom animals including bathing, brushing, clipping, and nail trimming.
- Reporting medical and behavioral concerns to appropriate supervisors
- Adhering to behavioral and medical protocols as directed by supervisors
- Interacting with volunteers and adopters professionally and courteously at all times
- Providing volunteers and adopters with information about the dogs using appropriate terminology
- Engaging in continuous training and learning opportunities
- Miscellaneous projects and other tasks as directed
Qualifications:
- Reliably and consistently available for scheduled shifts
- Strong work ethic and self motivated
- Effective time management skills
- Committed to the well-being of the dogs in our care
- Motivated to learn, gain new skills, and advance their knowledge
- Able to work with and interact with a wide range of people and personalities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Able to direct volunteers
- Must be able to meet physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting heavy items or animals (50lbs )
- Experience working with dogs in a group setting or in a veterinary clinic a plus
We have part-time and full-time available, looking to fill between approximately 32-40 hours per week. Weekend and holiday availability is required, as the dogs at the Farm don't get weekends or holidays off.
Starting pay is $15 per hour, but can increase with prior experience. Opportunities for advancement are available through skill acquisition, increased competency, and adherence to stated standards of employment. We have morning and evening shifts available. Morning shifts are 7:30am-3:30pm and evening shifts are 12pm-8pm.
You must be at least 18 years old to apply. Due to the extensive amount of training that goes into this position, we are not offering seasonal/temporary positions at this time.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Ability to Commute:
- Delaplane, VA 20144 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $15 - $18