Animal Care Technician

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE STARTING YOUR APPLICATION:

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE APPLICATION IN ITS ENTIRETY AND SUBMIT THE APPLICATION BEFORE IT CAN BE SAVED IN THE SYSTEM.

YOU MUST ANSWER ALL REQUIRED QUESTIONS AND COMPLETE ALL REQUIRED SECTIONS OF THIS APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH IREDELL COUNTY

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE:

Under general supervision, performs a combination of office and shelter duties in the operation of the animal shelter for the Animal Services and Control Department. Work involves cleaning the animal kennels, feeding and watering animals, processing animal surrenders, reclaims and adoptions, giving rabies vaccinations, educating the public on ordinances and statutes related to the ownership and treatment of animals, assisting in the office, participating in the health care of animals, and humanely euthanizing animals when necessary.  Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in performing assigned tasks. Employee must also exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with animal owners and the general public while providing quality customer service. Reports to the Assistant Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Cleans and maintains animal confinement area; feeds and waters confined animals; cleans and disinfects kennels to provide a suitable environment for the animals; makes routine inspections of all animals and their kennels for their health and welfare and the safety and cleanliness of their kennels.

Assists placing animals into kennels, assigning animals to kennels according to size, sex, needs, and circumstances involved in pick-up or surrender; maintains records pertaining to numbers and classifications of animals confined, reclaimed, adopted, destroyed, etc.

Works with rescue organizations, volunteers and the public to rehome animals and complete the mission of the department.

Performs and assists with the physicals, vaccinations, and administration of medicines for shelter animals and maintains associated records.

Performs daily animal enrichment activities.  

Assists interested parties in reclaiming or adopting confined animals, processing required paperwork, collecting fees and providing receipts, etc., as necessary.

Euthanizes and properly disposes of vicious, diseased and unclaimed animals utilizing humane methods.   

Assists with the maintenance of a disease prevention program, including assisting with the maintenance of the State required inoculation and standards for shelter sanitation and disinfecting.

Answers telephone and greets visitors; receives inquiries and provides information pertaining to animal control ordinances, surrender, reclaim or adoption procedures, etc., or refers callers to proper personnel.

Is able to multitask, prioritize and manage time effectively.

Must have the availability to work a rotating schedule including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed. 

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

May be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Subject to emergency callback in the event of a disaster or other local emergency.

Assist the veterinarian team with pre-operative an post-operative care, which includes restraining animals for induction, prepping animals for surgery monitoring animals during surgery, recovering animals post-surgery, and cleaning/sterilizing surgical area and instruments.

Performs other related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address issues that arise with animals or customer concerns.

Clear verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with clients and team members.

Ability to safely handle and restrain various types of animals.

Knowledge of effective communication techniques to interact with general public, volunteers, and co-workers.

Skilled in using computers and office equipment, including printers and telephones, along with a strong understanding of common office software such as word processors, spreadsheets, and email.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE “REQUIREMENTS”:

Graduation from High School, and at least six (6) months of professional or personal experience working with animals

; and/or One (1) year of customer service experience in any environment or any equivalent combination or training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ADDITIONAL “REQUIREMENTS”:

Must possess a valid Driver’s License issued by the State of North Carolina

Must become a Certified Rabies Vaccinator within six (6) months of employment. Must pass requirements to become a Certified Euthanasia Technician within twelve (12) months of employment. Must become a Notary Public within six (6) months of employment. Must become Fear Free Certified within six (6) months of employment.

“PREFERRED” QUALIFICATIONS:    NONE.

Salary : $36,947 - $47,292