Lead Kennel Technician

The Kennel Lead plays a key leadership role within the Sequoia Humane Society, ensuring the highest standards of animal care, cleanliness, and operational efficiency within the shelter’s kennels and treatment areas. This position directly supports the medical side of shelter operations, working under the direction of the Shelter Manager to monitor animal health, coordinate treatments, and maintain sanitary conditions that promote wellness and safety for all animals, staff, and visitors. The Kennel Lead serves as the hands-on team lead, guiding and supporting Animal Care Specialists, assisting with medical tasks, ensuring daily cleaning and feeding routines are completed properly, and helping facilitate adoptions, transfers, and fosters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Care & Medical Support

• Oversee the daily feeding, cleaning, and enrichment routines for all shelter animals.

• Monitor animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral concerns and promptly report to the Shelter Manager.

• Support medical coordination by assisting with vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, medications, wound care, and post-surgical monitoring as directed.

• Maintain accurate medical charts and treatment logs, ensuring completeness and compliance with shelter protocols.

• Collaborate with the Shelter Manager and veterinary partners to prepare animals for spay/neuter, medical appointments, and follow-ups.

• Train Animal Care Specialists in proper animal handling, sanitation, and care procedures.

Facility Cleanliness & Safety

• Oversee the cleaning and sanitization of all kennels, catteries, treatment rooms, and animal housing areas to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

• Ensure all staff follow established biosecurity, infection control, and cross-contamination prevention procedures.

• Conduct daily walk-throughs to verify cleanliness, organization, and animal well-being.

• Maintain inventory and proper storage of cleaning agents, supplies, and PPE.

• Assist with ordering and restocking of medical and cleaning supplies as needed.

Leadership & Team Coordination

• Supervise, train, and support Animal Care Specialists and kennel volunteers in their daily duties.

• Provide coaching, guidance, and accountability to ensure consistency in animal care practices.

• Serve as point of contact for the Shelter Manager during assigned shifts, relaying updates or concerns.

• Assist in scheduling kennel staff and volunteers for adequate coverage.

• Promote teamwork and positive communication across departments (reception, medical, and management).

Adoptions, Fosters & Transfers

• Support animal readiness for adoption, foster, and transfer by ensuring up-to-date records, vaccinations, and clean housing.

• Assist with meet-and-greets, introductions, and adoption counseling as directed by the Shelter Manager.

• Participate in intake evaluations to assess animal temperament and health upon arrival.

Administrative & Compliance Support

• Maintain accurate animal logs, medication records, and daily care checklists.

• Assist in compiling reports or updates for the Shelter Manager and Executive Director as needed.

• Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal animal welfare laws and SHS policies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in animal sheltering, veterinary care, or related field.

• Proven leadership skills with experience supervising or training staff or volunteers.

• Strong knowledge of animal handling, health monitoring, and shelter sanitation procedures.

• Experience administering medications or assisting with basic medical treatments preferred.

• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work compassionately and professionally under pressure.

• Proficiency with Google Workspace; familiarity with ShelterLuv or similar systems a Plus.

• Valid California Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and perform cleaning or animal-handling tasks.

• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and flexible hours as required.

MISSION ALIGNMENT

All Sequoia Humane Society employees are expected to uphold our mission:

To be a community leader in promoting the humane treatment of all animals and ending pet overpopulation through adoption, education, and compassionate care.

Reports to: Shelter Manager