Animal Care Technician

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Responsible for assisting the coordination of adoptions and transfer of domestic animals and livestock. Responsible for maintaining daily shelter operations, caring for impounded animals, and performing technical and clerical duties to support the kennel and supports field operations as tasked.

Essential Job Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Receives and processes domestic animals and livestock brought to the kennel for impoundment or possession release; redeems animals to proper owners; processes unclaimed animals for adoption or rescue; assists members of the public searching for lost animals or seeking to adopt animals.
• Assist humane rescue organizations with the transfer of animals, as well as maintain accurate records of such activities.
• Assist with administering animal medications and testing as directed by a licensed veterinarian, scan for microchips, properly handle controlled substances used for euthanasia.
• Performs routine inspections of animals and their cages to monitor food consumption, behavior, symptoms of disease, and condition of confined animals for health and safety purposes; provides basic animal care, including bathing, feeding, and observing animal behavior, transports animals to a veterinarian’s office for medical testing and treatment as directed.
• Clean, sanitize, and disinfect kennels and cages, including food bowls and litter pans, sweeping and using a high-pressure water hose to clean floors and walls using chemical disinfectants. Performs repair and routine maintenance of kennels, cages, exercise pens, and other facilities. Maintains and sanitizes equipment used, including vehicle assigned. Maintains accurate records of daily work activities and inventory on Animal Services software.
• Feeds and waters animals daily and maintains clean eating and drinking conditions for animals.
• Euthanizes or assists others with the euthanasia of animals in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Transports animals as needed.
• Participates and documents dog playgroups and/or other animal enrichment activities to determine animal behaviors.
• In case of an emergency or crisis (hurricane, flood, etc.), the position is required to respond/perform emergency and recovery duties as assigned. Performs related duties as required to control emergencies related to animal control ordinances and statutes.
• Maintains regular physical attendance during normal work hours as assigned at one of the county’s offices or work facilities. Works varied schedules, holidays, weekends and emergencies, or call back status; may work in varying locations and assignments as needed to assist officers.
  
  

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related marginal duties as required.)

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of State and County animal control ordinances, regulations, animal care procedures, and policies of the Division and Board of County Commissioners.
• Knowledge of animal behavior and animal disease sufficient to recognize normal and abnormal behavior in domestic and wild animals.
• Knowledge of trapping, snaring, handling, transporting, caring for animals and sufficient knowledge to distinguish between various breeds of animals for proper identification.
• Ability to use a computer.
• Ability to work alone or with others and establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the public, co-workers, adopters, humane rescue organizations, members of law enforcement, elected and appointed officials, and members of a diverse background.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to operate a truck, truck and trailer, and a small bus.
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.
• Ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using machinery and equipment.
• Ability to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
• Ability to deal with animals and people under stress.
  
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
  
  

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Florida Driver’s License and a driving record acceptable to the insurance provider.
• Must possess and maintain certification as a Euthanasia Technician or obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Must possess or obtain the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications within six (6) months of employment.
• Must possess and maintain certification Bite Stick or obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Must possess and maintain certification as Oleoresin capsicum (OC) Technician or obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.
  
  

Supplemental Information

Essential Physical Skills

• Acceptable vision (with or without correction)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
• Moderate lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds without assistance)
• Distinguish colors
• Reaching
• Pulling
• Walking
• Standing
• Crawling
• Kneeling
• Bending
• Stooping
• Jumping
• Running
• Must be able to drive a truck, truck and trailer, and a small bus
  
  

VACCINATIONS:

• Hepatitis A within sixty (60) days of employment
• Hepatitis B within sixty (60) days of employment
• Pre-exposure Rabies within sixty (60) days of employment
• Tetanus within sixty (60) days of employment
  
  

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works inside and outside in varying weather conditions with noise and dust.
• Works on uneven, slippery surfaces and heights.
• Works with animals, including in parasite-infested areas, dead and/or diseased animals.
• Works with moving objects and vehicles.
• Works in stressful situations.
  
  

Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.

FLSA Non-Exempt Status

Revised 10/01/2024