Animal Care Technician I

Under supervision, the purpose of the position is to provide a safe, clean shelter with adequate food and water for animals housed in our shelter because of neglect, cruelty, aggression, being lost or relinquished by their owner. Employee functions at entry level to assist citizens in the adoption of animals, reunification with lost pets, and associated paperwork. Position may assist with various animal services programs, services, and veterinary treatments/procedures as needed.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Transport animals to offsite locations for adoptions when needed.
• Transport animals to local veterinary clinics for outside services.
• Assist the public in finding lost pets by having a thorough knowledge of shelter animals and escorting owners through shelter areas.
• Perform duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical in assignment to the position.
• Embrace a "one team" approach to accomplish daily tasks, goals, and projects by interacting, cooperating, assisting, training, and learning from volunteers.
• Assist with public education including participating in offsite events the department participates in and/or hosts including events outside of normal business hours.
• Provide for the general health and welfare of housed animals in the kennel and livestock areas including ensuring proper quality and quantity of food.
• Assist in processing incoming animals into the shelter.
• Maintain sanitation (cleans / disinfects animal cages and equipment) of all animal holding facilities, shelters, stalls, barns, and grounds.
• Maintain a working relationship with County personnel, government agencies, law enforcement, volunteers, civic groups, and the public.
• Monitor safety and security of the holding facilities and ensure all quarantined animals are maintained in designated areas. Prevents unauthorized access to animals being held for aggression or biting, monitors animals under quarantine and immediately reports any changes in medical status, behavior, or physical condition in accordance with procedures.
• Maintain health records and perform related administrative duties and report any issues or concerns to Supervisor/leadership team; assist in the resolution of kennel issues.
• Assist other areas within Animal Services, as needed.
• Provide customer service to the public as relates to animal interaction and adoption process; complete adoption and medical forms; and advise citizens on the responsibility of animal ownership.

Education: High school diploma or GED.

Experience: Must have at least one (1) years’ experience working in a veterinary clinic, boarding or animal shelter environment.

Miscellaneous:

• Must be inoculated against rabies upon hire.
• Ability to communicate in English is required and Spanish is a plus.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.

• Ability to enter basic animal related data into the database.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, local animal code related to rabies vaccination and quarantine procedures and public health threats associated with animal services staff and citizen exposure.
• Skill in clearly communicating information both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to operate County vehicles including pulling various types of trailers.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, proper care, feeding and handling of various types of domestic and exotic animals, livestock and wildlife, and their habits and typical diseases (including rabies) and the symptoms.
• Ability to read, update and maintain various records and files; ability to access, operate and maintain various software applications.
• Ability to read and comprehend written materials (e.g., emails, correspondence, instructions, memos, reports, regulations, policies) to apply information and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment, e.g., computers, printers, copy machines, telephone systems, etc.
• Ability to assist with animal services functions including veterinary treatments/procedures, e.g., restraining animals for vaccinations.
• Ability and willingness to follow oral and written instructions.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of customer service skills; ability to deal diplomatically with sensitive circumstances.
• Ability to render quick, responsible decision making, under stressful and emotional circumstances.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, proper techniques utilized in the handling of animals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with County government agencies, law enforcement, volunteers, civic groups, and the public.

• Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 50 lbs.
• 50 pounds maximum lifting.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
• Requires physical ability in lifting animals.
• Physical demand requirements are more than medium work.
• Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.