What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pet Care Specialist position at Nexus Pets?
Department: Nexus Pets
Reports to: Programs Manager, Pets
Supervises: Volunteers
Type: Full-time, Nonexempt Employee
Purpose of Position: The Pet Care Specialist is dedicated to the daily care and enrichment of animals within our facilities. This role also involves coordinating with off-site adoption partner locations such as PetSmart and Petco, maintaining a clean and organized environment, and assisting with facilitating successful adoptions to help our animals find loving homes.
Responsibilities:
- Clean and disinfect animal runs, kennels, cages, receiving areas, holding areas, and yard areas daily.
- Feed, water, and provide daily enrichment activities for animals to reduce stress.
- Monitor and report signs of illness, disease, or behavioral concerns.
- Assist in the medical treatment of sick and injured animals, including administering medications and vaccines under supervision.
- Maintain cleanliness in both animal and public areas, including spot cleaning throughout the day.
- Clean, fold, and stock kennel laundry and cleaning supplies.
- Wash and sterilize water buckets, food bowls, toys, litter boxes, crates, traps, and other equipment.
- Ensure all equipment used for animal care is in good working condition.
- Coordinate and transport animals to and from adoption locations and events, ensuring all necessary paperwork and supplies are prepared.
- Set up and manage off-site adoption locations, including cleaning and sanitizing the area and managing inventory.
- Assist potential adopters who want to visit with a pet they are considering for adoption.
- Clean and sanitize work areas and vehicles regularly to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
- Deliver exceptional customer service to internal and external partners, fostering productive and lasting collaborations.
- Utilize standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide operations and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
- Ensure accurate and timely data entry for all pet-related activities.
- Maintain inventory of food, cleaning, and care supplies.
- Actively engage with volunteers, providing support and proactively improving our volunteer program.
- Serve as an ambassador for Nexus, sharing our mission and various ways to support our work with your network.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Competencies:
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Adaptability to Change and Ambiguity
- Customer and Community Focus
- Team Collaboration
- Excellence
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record
- Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
- Strong customer service skills
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office programs
- Professional experience in animal welfare or working with dogs, cats, and small mammals (desired)
Work Conditions and Physical Requirements:
- Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments.
- Subject to animal bites or scratches.
- Work performed in areas with high noise levels and exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces.
- Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, and walking.
- Frequent lifting of animals and objects with reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to drive a company vehicle for the duration of a typical workday.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $13.50 - $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Salary : $14 - $15