Description

Examples of Duties

• Identifies animals for possible euthanasia and reports those findings to the Chief Animal Control Officer
• Performs or assists in euthanasia
• Ensure that files, records and statistics are properly maintained including: animal intake, disposition, adoption, euthanasia, medical care and procedures of shelter animals and controlled substances
• Maintain a working relationship with established rescue groups to effectively utilize space and systematically respond to seasonal influxes of animals.
• Maintain the AC Departments “No Kill” Philosophy, by maintaining a live release rate of 90% or more. Manage the pet spay/neuter and adoption program to ensure interested and acceptable individuals are quickly united with adoptable pets.
• Perform daily inspection of shelter facilities to monitor the general health of shelter animals and insure proper medical care is rendered in a timely, humane, safe and efficient manner.
• Recognize sickness and disease (including infectious disease) in shelter animals, take steps to reduce continued exposure to other shelter animals and to humans entering and working in the shelter
• Implement Shelter Best Management Practices, – including health, behavior and general care for Shelter animals individually and collectively.
• Administers vaccines, medications and preventative care to Shelter animals
• Perform in-house testing and medical treatments
• Regularly inspect shelter property for needed repairs and maintenance and report findings to Chief Animal Control officer if repairs are needed to maintain buildings and grounds.
• Prepare reports on the operational statistics and shelter activities.
• Respond to and resolve sensitive inquiries and complaints from other animal care providers and the general public.
• Interpret and convey ordinances, state statutes, regulations and County policies to the general public.
• Help ensure that appropriate fees are collected from pet owners.
• Monitor shelter supplies.
• Maintain a comprehensive public relations program to ensure all web and printed information reflects a consistent message.
• Implement training modules for the volunteers to increase their knowledge of the shelter.
• Identify clear work functions and daily assignments for volunteers and inmates that increase accountability and ensure a high level of professional customer service to the community.
• Meet and greet the public and answer questions regarding animal shelter operations and policies.
• Assist ACOs in the field as needed.
• Assist in the training of additional Shelter staff paid or volunteer.

• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential function of the job.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Knowledge of state and local laws, regulations, codes and ordinances relating to proper treatment of sheltering animals.
• Principals and techniques for properly handling and caring for injured animals.
• Principals and techniques for properly handling fractious animals.
• The hazards and safety precautions involved in operating an animal shelter.
• Customer service skills and techniques.
• Principals and techniques for properly handling/caring for infectious animals

• Work in an environment which contains fumes, disinfectants or airborne particles.
• Handle animals which are sick, injured, frightened, dangerous or vicious animals which may display unpredictable behavior.
• Manage the mental and emotional stress that may accompany the injured and/or euthanasia of animals.
• Work in all types of weather conditions.
• Work in a noisy environment.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl to inspect shelter enclosures.
• Handle needles and give injections, treat gruesome injuries, clean up vomit and diarrhea

• Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with policies, procedures and regulations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Effectively responds to calls for service and dispatches information to the ACOs.
• Recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior.
• Handle potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner.
• Work weekends, evenings, holidays and special events as needed and required.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Assist in planning and coordinating special County and volunteer events for the Animal Shelter.
• Implement and maintain programs to promote the adoption of shelter animals.
• Exercise good judgment and self-restraint when operating in stressful situations.
• To define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
• Work on multiple projects and assignments simultaneously.
• Use persuasion and diplomacy to achieve consensus and cooperation, especially on difficult or divisive issues.
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity and good judgment in decision-making and in solving problems, including problems of a sensitive or political nature.
• Remain flexible in adapting to changes in priorities, assignments and other interruptions which may impact pre-established timelines and courses of action for completing projects and assignments.
• Lead by positive example by promoting positive, collaborative and professional working relations among staff and outside agencies.

Typical Qualifications

• Prior experience with domestic animals and livestock is highly desirable.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• High School Diploma or equivalent

Supplemental Information