Kennel Aide

Our shelter was founded by a group of revolutionaries who dared to question the status quo in order to improve the treatment of animals. Now, we are one of the largest animal welfare agencies in Washington, with a passionate team that has continued advancing the care and wellbeing of pets. When you join our team, you’ll be a part of an animal-loving community that strives to find every pet a loving home, reunites lost pets with their families, provides life-saving medical care, and leads services that help keep pets with their people.

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County is currently accepting applications for a Kennel Aide to join our Animal Services team.

JOB SUMMARY:   In this role you will perform routine animal care that helps to maintain the health and happiness of our animals! The work includes cleaning and maintaining animal housing areas and requires handling of animals to house, properly care for them, and minimize their stress. Additionally we are union and offer Health Benefits, PTO & Vacation, Paid Holidays, and Retirement! We also offer internal growth opportunities! Come join and our team and make a difference for the community and compassionate care for its animals!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & FUNCTIONS:

• Feed animals following established guidelines and schedules
• Ensure animals have access to clean water at all times
• Maintaining the overall cleanliness of the kennel area which includes following the established protocol to clean, disinfect and maintain shelter housing.
• Participate in stress and disease reduction through compassionate handling of all animals ensuring safety is always the first priority. A caring and compassionate attitude is required of all members of our team!
• Monitor animals behaviors and immediately report health or behavioral abnormalities to the appropriate individual(s)
• Restock cleaning and other kennel supplies
• Ensure inventory of needed supplies is maintained at appropriate levels.
• Maintain work and general areas within department in a clean and organized manner.
• May be called upon to assist receiving with setting up incoming animals.
• Interact and communicate with co-workers and volunteers in an efficient and courteous manner to ensure a cooperative team environment amongst all departments.
• Maintain accurate and timely animal records, performing data entry as directed.
• Attend meetings and/or trainings as scheduled and required.
• Represent the Society well by providing excellent customer service as needed.
• Ensures a safe working environment following all safety guidelines and addressing any safety concerns with the appropriate individual(s).
• Willingly and cooperatively performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Available to work weekends, holiday shifts and overtime as needed
• Ability to work with all animal species
• Knowledge of best practices in animal healthcare and welfare
• Strong fear free and safe animal handing skills
• Team player, able to work in a fast-pace environment and multi-task.
• Outgoing, polite and professional manner.
• The ability to deal with a diverse public is required
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Excellent organizational skills

• • Computer skills in a Windows environment preferred including Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, SharePoint, and Chameleon
  • Must have the ability to multi task, prioritize and handle high levels of stress
  • Position requires excellent organizational skills, as well as high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Must be dependable, have proven ability to meet deadlines and follow detailed instructions without need of constant support.
  • A caring and compassionate attitude is required of all members of our team.

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Computer skills is a plus
• Ability to complete Fear Free for Shelters certification course within the first 60 days.

Experience:

• Any acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience in animal welfare and/or customer service helpful

The HSTPC is an equal opportunity employer. HSTPC employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs. The HSTPC is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. We celebrate the diversity of individual unique identity, perspectives, and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage ALL to apply.