What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kennel Technician position at Santa Barbara Humane?
Full or part-time hours available providing daily care to animals and performing shelter operational support duties. Flexible work schedule.
KENNEL ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION Effective Date: 8/2025
Job Title: Kennel Assistant
Department: Animal Care Reports to: Dir. Shelter Services
Employment Type: FT, Seasonal, Non-exempt.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Clean and sanitize animal housing and provide shelter operational support. Perform general janitorial duties. Follow workplace safety protocols, working in a safe manner at all times and proactively ensure the safety of co-workers, clients, and volunteers. Take immediate action to prevent or address safety concerns. Proactively promote SB Humane programs and services and encourage charitable support for the organization. Actively integrate volunteers by providing a welcoming work environment; practicing mentorship, training, and advancement opportunities; and offering feedback on volunteer performance. Perform other duties as assign.
Working Environment: Work is conducted within an indoor/outdoor animal shelter environment. This may involve exposure to environmental factors, including temperature and weather fluctuations, elevated noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal waste, deceased animals, potentially hazardous chemicals or materials requiring OSHA Safety Data Sheets.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear and see, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, grasp, put fingers together firmly and reach above and below shoulder level and lift; push, lift or pull 50 pounds for situations of restraining or moving animals and lifting supplies, materials and equipment; Repetitively use hands to move animals around and operate computers; Flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist; Specific vision abilities required are close and mid-range vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to focus; Appropriately and humanely restrain cats and dogs; control dogs on a leash; work with a variety of animals in multiple settings both in and out of the clinic/shelter; Be able to tolerate extended work periods of 8 hours of performing moderately strenuous activities, standing, lifting, stretching and bending; Work in an environment with daily changes in indoor and outdoor climates; May require long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to ensure the shelter’s operation and address emergencies or issues outside of regular working hours. Please note: Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Mental and Emotional Resilience: This position involves direct exposure to animals in various conditions, including those who may be injured, sick, neglected, or in distress, etc.. Employees may also be required to interact with members of the public during emotionally charged or sensitive situations. As a result, the role necessitates a high level of mental and emotional resilience to effectively perform duties, maintain professional judgment, and provide compassionate care.
Our Mission & Vision: To be champions for animals and the people who love them by committing to our vision to create a happy, healthy community for all animals. Our Values: As a valued team member of SBH, employees pledge to be committed to our team as well as the mission of SBH. Employees of SBH will foster a compassionate and respectful environment for each other, our volunteers, and the people and animals we serve by committing to our three core values: To Work Together, to Think Big and Care Deeply. We will empower one another through knowledge, empathy, encouragement, and recognition. We will aim to eliminate negativity, to support positive and effective communication, promote individual and SBH growth, work as a cohesive team, and always hold ourselves accountable, regardless of tenure, position, or department.
ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES Dependability Demonstrates reliability by consistently meeting work schedules, deadlines, and commitments; responds to changing priorities with flexibility while maintaining focus on organizational goals and animal welfare needs. Critical Thinking Analyzes situations objectively, using sound judgment to make decisions that balance animal care, public safety, and organizational resources; anticipates potential challenges and proactively develops solutions. Customer Service Provides compassionate, respectful, and responsive service to the public, volunteers, and colleagues; effectively manages sensitive interactions, including emotionally charged situations involving animals and community members. Diversity and Ethics Promotes a culture of inclusion and respect for diverse individuals, backgrounds, and perspectives; upholds ethical standards in handling animals, confidential information, and interactions with the community. Teamwork Collaborates with colleagues across departments to achieve shared goals; fosters a positive work environment by valuing others’ contributions and providing support during high-volume or emergency situations. Work Quality Completes tasks accurately and thoroughly, maintaining high standards for animal care, facility cleanliness, and record-keeping; actively seeks opportunities to improve efficiency and outcomes.
WORK SCHEDULE Full or part-time hours available. This is a seasonal/temporary position.