P/T Animal Care Technician

::: SERIOUS APPLICANTS ONLY :::

Animal Care Technician

WAIF is seeking two part-time (32 hours a week) animal care technicians (ACT) to help support the animal care operations at its Coupeville shelter.

Purpose

This position description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this position. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this position description. The Animal Care Technician (ACT) is responsible for the overall care of all the animals within the shelter. The responsibilities will vary based on the current needs of the shelter.

This position reports directly to the Shelter Manager and provides for the consistent cleanliness of cages, kennels, runs, and shelter areas, and the proper feeding and care of all shelter animals.

Key responsibilities

• Follow the shelter procedures
• Administering medications, treatments, and vaccinations for the shelter population
• Takes lost and found reports from the public
• Receive animals brought to the shelter
• Prepare adoption paperwork
• Interact with the public to conduct animal introductions and adoptions
• Unpacking, organizing, and stocking of shelter supplies and donations
• Recognize and records any unusual condition or abnormal behavior of any shelter animal
• Report signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to shelter manager
• Receive animals to be admitted for shelter care and is responsible for their proper identification and for recording their respective locations
• Release animals to their owners as directed by lead ACTs or shelter manager
• Assists in maintaining proper inventory levels of cleaning and other supplies and informs supervisor when reordering is necessary
• Be comfortable walking and exercising dogs in our care, and provide enrichment for the cats with one-on-one interactions.
• Performs related work as required

Minimum qualifications

Ability to be highly organized and detail oriented, with little supervision to accomplish tasks successfully and in a timely manner. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job this position may be exposed to animal odors, airborne particles, and cleaning solutions.

Position also requires

Physical Effort: The role requires strong physical stamina and endurance, often requires lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 40 lbs. Frequently requires handling of materials up to 20 lbs. Additionally, handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs. Walking and/or standing for long periods. May be required to use strength or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals. The work is performed in office and shelter surroundings, including outdoors in inclement weather conditions. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods. This is a physically demanding position where cleaning kennels is approximately 50% of the daily responsibilities.

Working Conditions: Work is normally performed inside; some outside work is required in inclement weather conditions. The work involves frequent exposure to unpleasant odors and noises, and to agitated and fearful animals who may be ill or injured, feces, bodily fluids, zoonotic disease, and parasites.

Knowledge of: Cleaning and disinfecting methods and the use and care of cleaning materials and equipment. Proper methods of animal restraint.

Ability to: Use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency. Learn to administer medications and recognize abnormal conditions. Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

• Ability to learn quickly the basic methods and procedures of kennel cleaning
• Ability to learn quickly the proper techniques to handle animals safely and effectively, which also includes administering medications
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Can work collaboratively as a respectful, reliable, and dependable team player with staff and volunteers
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid Washington driver’s license with no major or repeated minor traffic offenses and auto-insurance with required coverage limits
• Flexible schedule with ability to work weekends

Desired education and experience

High school diploma/GED required with one to three years customer service experience.

Before you apply, please consider the following:

The position of an Animal Care Technician is both physically demanding and emotionally challenging. It entails extensive cleaning and exposure to a range of animal illnesses. Nevertheless, this role is vital as it significantly contributes to helping animals find loving homes. At WAIF, we take pride in saving over 90% of the animals that come into our care. However, it is important to recognize that this job also involves confronting difficult realities, such as animal sickness or loss, often within the constraints of limited resources and staffing. This role requires a deep commitment and compassion for both animals (and people), going beyond simply enjoying playtime. Animal Care Technicians must be equipped to handle the fast-paced, demanding, and sometimes heartbreaking situations associated with this essential work.

Positions will remain open until filled.

WAIF is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. WAIF makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $19.53 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20