Animal Caretaker I Jobs

POSITION SUMMARY

We are pleased to offer the current job opportunity for an Animal Caretaker I position in the Animal Services Department. DuPage County Animal Services is an immediate open admission shelter caring for more than 2,000 animals of varying species annually. The Animal Caretaker I position is part of the larger Animal Care team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities Include:

• Provides daily enrichment both in-kennel and out-of-kennel
• Cleans and disinfects cages and other animal enclosures, exam room, garage and office
• Injects microchips
• Observes and reports animals for abnormalities and illness
• Assists the veterinarian with surgery preparation and post-operative care
• Performs formal behavior evaluations
• Assists in maintaining records on each animal
• Facilitates the delivery of animal behavior programs
• Performs humane euthanasia and provides end of life comfort care
• Operates autoclave machine to sterilize surgical instruments
• Prepares and administers diets, adding supplements
• Provides input on potential animal outcomes - adoption, rescued, fostered or euthanized
• Training of shelter animals in order to increase adoptability and implement behavior modification where indicated
• Answers questions from the public
• Facilitate canine play groups
• Determines if animal is in emergency need of a Veterinarian
• Provides care for dogs, cats and any other types of animals accepted into the shelter
• Provides support and direction to volunteers
• Assists in creating marketing collateral for animal promotions
• Maintains inventory
• Identifies and treats basic shelter illnesses, determines need for isolation of animals, administers medications in general
• Provides adoption counseling and post-adopt follow up
• Inoculates for airborne diseases

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Two (2) years of experience working in an animal shelter or veterinary hospital
• One (1) year of animal science or related course work
• Ability to obtain certification as a Euthanasia Technician within one (1) year of hire.
• Credit to meet these qualifications will be granted to former interns of DCAS
• Completion of a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma equivalent

A pre-employment background check is required.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Heavy Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Use of arm and /or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than for medium work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment for this position regularly includes working with loud animals, on concrete floors and being exposed to unfavorable odors. Will be subject to animal bites and/or scratches.