What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Specialist position at Sequoia Humane Society?
Animal Care Specialist (Feline or Canine)
REPORTS TO: Kennel Lead or Kennel Manager
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Animal Care Specialist is a key member of the kennel operations team and is expected to work collaboratively with other personnel to perform a wide variety of functions necessary to sustain kennel operations in the animal shelter.
The Animal Care Specialist will specialize in canine or feline welfare but will need to be cross-trained and able to handle diverse tasks. The Animal Care Specialist works closely with and supports the Kennel Lead and Manager in overseeing the daily operation of the kennels, cattery, treatment room, outdoor runs and related areas and is responsible for maintaining a healthy, safe and sanitary facility for shelter animals and the public. The Animal Care Specialist may be called on to participate in making recommendations about animal intake, adoptions, fosters, volunteers, and transfers.
The Animal Care Specialist will:
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:
Work Schedule and Location:
As the shelter kennel operates 7 days a week, the Animal Care Specialist will be assigned shifts up to six consecutively, according to the shelter’s operating schedule. This position requires performing duties on location at 6073 Loma Avenue, Eureka, CA, weekend work, occasional overtime and holiday work, as well as being on call for questions.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $16.50 - $18.00 per hour depending on skills and experience
Education:
Sequoia Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone with qualifications, including minorities, women, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Animal Care Specialist is a key member of the kennel operations team and is expected to work collaboratively with other personnel to perform a wide variety of functions necessary to sustain kennel operations in the animal shelter.
The Animal Care Specialist will specialize in canine or feline welfare but will need to be cross-trained and able to handle diverse tasks. The Animal Care Specialist works closely with and supports the Kennel Lead and Manager in overseeing the daily operation of the kennels, cattery, treatment room, outdoor runs and related areas and is responsible for maintaining a healthy, safe and sanitary facility for shelter animals and the public. The Animal Care Specialist may be called on to participate in making recommendations about animal intake, adoptions, fosters, volunteers, and transfers.
The Animal Care Specialist will:
- Maintain standards of excellence for animal care by following animal care procedures.
- Safely and confidently handle a variety of animals, including canines and felines of different sizes, ages, and temperaments.
- Feed animals according to established schedules and dietary needs.
- Clean and sanitize animal enclosures and shelter facilities.
- Follow all safety guidelines established by the shelter.
- Provide animals with socialization, enrichment activities, and exercise.
- Upon animal intake and on an ongoing basis, will support the Kennel Lead and Manager to evaluate the health, behavior, and temperament, and adoptability of incoming animals.
- Evaluate animals daily for signs of illness or behavioral issues.
- Under the supervision of the Kennel Lead and Manager, vaccinate, deworm, microchip and medicate animals.
- Provide documentation and accurate records on each animal to the Kennel Lead and Manager.
- Transport animals to/from veterinary appointments (spay/neuter surgeries, etc.)
- Under the supervision of the Kennel Lead and Manager, perform adoption counseling and provide animal behavior advice to/for the general public.
- Assist and support other staff in order to carry out the mission of Sequoia Humane Society.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Passion for and experience in the care and handling of animals.
- A minimum of two (2) years experience working with a variety of animals in a shelter or veterinary hospital facility is preferred.
- A valid California Driver’s License with a good driving record.
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:
- Knowledge of humane animal handling, restraint and confinement procedures; characteristics of various animal breeds and familiarity with the symptoms of common animal diseases and their control; safety precautions of working around animals.
- Experience evaluating and documenting animal health and temperament.
- Knowledge of and experience implementing proper procedures for examining, vaccinating, and medicating animals.
- Ability to maintain accurate case records.
- Skilled at working with the public in a respectful and courteous manner.
- Knowledge of best practices for maintaining safe and sanitary kennels/catteries.
- Knowledge of basic record keeping procedures, offices practices and equipment, and basic mathematics.
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure, make rapid decisions based upon interpretation of rules and policies, and relay instructions in emergency situations.
- Ability to prioritize and organize the work of self and others.
- Ability to maintain positive relationships with co-workers, and the general public.
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively in teams.
- Ability to perform general duty labor for extended periods, including under adverse weather conditions and continuous exposure to noise.
- Ability to lift and handle 50 lbs (live animals/supplies).
Work Schedule and Location:
As the shelter kennel operates 7 days a week, the Animal Care Specialist will be assigned shifts up to six consecutively, according to the shelter’s operating schedule. This position requires performing duties on location at 6073 Loma Avenue, Eureka, CA, weekend work, occasional overtime and holiday work, as well as being on call for questions.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $16.50 - $18.00 per hour depending on skills and experience
Education:
- High school diploma preferred, but not required
Sequoia Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone with qualifications, including minorities, women, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Salary : $17 - $18