Dog Care Technician

WHY JOIN NMDR?

At National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR) every role directly impacts the lives of dogs recovering from commercial breeding environments. As a Dog Care Technician, you are more than a caregiver—you are an advocate, protector, and source of comfort for dogs beginning their journey toward healing and adoption.

This position offers the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of rescued dogs every day.
• Be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming.
• Gain hands-on experience in animal welfare, behavior observation, enrichment, and shelter operations.
• Work alongside passionate staff and volunteers committed to providing exceptional care.
• Contribute to an environment where compassion, teamwork, learning, and continuous improvement are valued.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dog Care Technician plays a vital role in ensuring the health, comfort, safety, and well-being of NMDR’s rescued dogs. Working under the supervision of the Dog Care Supervisor, this position is responsible for providing daily animal care, maintaining clean and safe kennel environments, administering medications as trained, supporting enrichment activities, and monitoring the physical and emotional welfare of dogs in NMDR’s care.

Dog Care Technicians are cross-trained in all aspects of kennel operations and work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to ensure every dog receives compassionate, consistent care while preparing for a successful transition into a permanent home.

THE VISION: THE NEXT MILE

A successful Dog Care Technician provides exceptional daily care that supports both the physical health and emotional well-being of every dog in NMDR's care. Through consistent animal husbandry, careful observation, effective communication, and compassionate handling, this role helps create a safe, clean, and enriching environment where dogs can heal, gain confidence, and prepare for successful adoption.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

DAILY ANIMAL CARE

• Feed dogs according to established dietary plans and schedules.
• Ensure dogs have continuous access to fresh water and appropriate bedding.
• Administer prescribed medications, treatments, preventatives, and supplements as trained and assigned.
• Accurately document medication administration and treatment completion.
• Monitor dogs for signs of illness, injury, stress, behavioral changes, or welfare concerns and report observations using established protocols.
• Perform routine welfare checks to ensure dogs are safe, comfortable, and appropriately housed.
• Assist with intake, movement, and handling of dogs as directed.
• Read and follow all kennel signage related to medical, behavioral, dietary, or handling requirements.
• Safely handle dogs of varying sizes, ages, temperaments, and behavioral needs using approved low-stress handling techniques.

KENNEL OPERATIONS & FACILITY CARE

• Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized indoor and outdoor kennel areas according to NMDR standards.
• Clean kennels, runs, yards, and common areas using approved sanitation procedures.
• Ensure kennel environments remain odor-free, safe, and supportive of stress reduction.
• Assist with laundry, dishwashing, waste removal, and general housekeeping duties.
• Monitor kennel conditions and report maintenance concerns promptly.
• Maintain adequate supplies and notify leadership when inventory needs arise.
• Assist with facility preparation for incoming rescue transports and other operational needs.

ENRICHMENT & WELFARE SUPPORT

• Provide daily enrichment activities designed to support dogs’ emotional, behavioral, and physical well-being.
• Assist with socialization, leash walking, kennel visits, and other enrichment opportunities as assigned.
• Support behavior and enrichment plans developed by leadership and behavior staff.
• Help create positive experiences that build confidence and reduce stress for shelter dogs.
• Observe and report behavioral progress, concerns, or changes.

COLLABORATION, COMMUNICATION & TEAM SUPPORT

• Represent NMDR professionally, courteously, and compassionately in all interactions with staff, volunteers, adopters, veterinary partners, and members of the public.
• Work collaboratively with teammates across departments to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality care for the dogs in NMDR’s programs.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully regarding daily operations, animal needs, and workflow priorities.
• Maintain accurate records related to animal care, feeding, medication administration, and welfare observations.
• Support volunteers through positive engagement, guidance, and adherence to NMDR protocols.
• Participate in assigned trainings, meetings, and continuing education opportunities.

SAFETY, WORKPLACE STANDARDS & MISSION SUPPORT

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment by following established safety protocols and modeling safe practices at all times.
• Promptly report safety concerns, incidents, or operational issues to leadership.
• Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and flexibility in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Support additional tasks and responsibilities as needed to advance NMDR’s daily operations and mission.
• Uphold NMDR’s mission, values, and standards of care in all interactions and duties.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

While this role does not manage paid staff, it serves as a mentor for NMDR volunteers. This role will be responsible for providing clear direction, encouragement, and oversight to volunteers during events and projects, ensuring they feel equipped to represent our mission safely and professionally.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to safely handle dogs of various sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established protocols.
• Strong observation skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Commitment to humane animal care and animal welfare principles.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience in animal care, rescue, sheltering, boarding, veterinary, grooming, or related fields.
• Experience administering medications to animals.
• Knowledge of canine body language and behavior.
• Fear Free certification or similar animal handling training.
• Experience working with volunteers and the public.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Compassionate and mission-driven, with a genuine commitment to animal welfare and rescue.
• Dependable and accountable, consistently following through on responsibilities and commitments.
• Positive and professional, maintaining a constructive attitude in both routine and challenging situations.
• Adaptable and resilient, able to respond effectively to changing priorities and shelter needs.
• Observant and detail-oriented, recognizing subtle changes in animal health, behavior, and welfare.
• Team-oriented and collaborative, contributing to a supportive and respectful workplace culture.
• Calm under pressure, maintaining composure when working with frightened, stressed, or medically compromised dogs.
• Eager to learn and grow, actively seeking opportunities to improve skills and knowledge.
• Respectful communicator who interacts professionally with staff, volunteers, adopters, and visitors.
• Committed to providing exceptional care and creating positive outcomes for every dog.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be comfortable working in an animal welfare environment, including exposure to dogs, barking, cleaning products, and other shelter-related conditions.
• Must be able to work collaboratively as part of a team and assist with responsibilities outside of primary job duties when needed to support organizational operations and animal care efforts.
• Must be open to receiving constructive feedback and adapting within a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• While performing the duties of this position, employees may regularly be exposed to animal odors, airborne particles, allergens, cleaning chemicals, and potentially unpredictable or emotionally challenging situations involving animals or the public.
• Occasional travel between NMDR locations may be required for training, rescue support, events, or operational needs.
• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 35 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to occasionally climb, balance, crouch, kneel, or crawl.
• Must be able to stand, walk, reach, bend, stoop, and safely operate various types of equipment throughout the workday.
• Schedule may include regular weekend and holiday work, as well as occasional flexibility in scheduling, based on facility and operational needs.

Every kennel cleaned, meal served, and act of compassion helps transform the life of a rescued dog.

Pay: $15.75 - $16.75 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Failure to respond to prescreening questions may result in disqualification of your application. Do you understand?
• We are a 7 day a week / 365 day a year business. You may be required to work at least one weekend day a week and several holidays. Are you able to meet these requirements?
• We are located in Peyton in a rural area. We have inclement weather in the winter and conditions may be poor. Are you comfortable driving in poor conditions?
• Please explain any gaps in employment or any positions held for less than one year.
• Please describe your paid or volunteer experience working with dogs.
• All NMDR employees must successfully complete a criminal background check. NMDR does not accept felony convictions of any kind or convictions/charges related to violence or theft. Based on these requirements, would you be eligible for hire if offered a position?

Ability to Commute:

• Peyton, CO 80831 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $17