Animal Care Specialist

Job Summary:

The Animal Care Specialist performs daily animal care tasks in accordance with established standards of care for shelter animals. This position also provides adoption counseling service to public customers seeking a new companion animal.

Responsibilities:

• Daily cleaning and feeding of shelter animals in accordance with established protocols
• Ensures all care tasks are started and completed on schedule
• Ensures displayed kennel information is organized and accurate
• Ensures operational areas are kept organized and properly stocked
• Delivers world-class customer service and knowledgeable adoption counseling to customers
• Maintains accurate and detailed animal records across written and electronic formats
• Performs other animal care activities, including but not limited to handling, medicating, walking, observing and reporting signs of physical and/or behavioral illness
• Handles all animals humanely, properly and with compassion, including those that may be sick, injured or feral
• Practices and maintains open and honest communication
• Follows established procedures governing safe work practices including wearing protective clothing or equipment when necessary

Requirements:

• Able to safely and competently handle companion animals of all sizes and temperaments
• Able to safely lift and carry 50 pounds in a controlled manner
• Able to work on your feet for an 8-hour work shift, with frequent bending, crouching, and reaching
• Strong and positive work ethic, both individually and as part of a team
• Able to communicate in a friendly and professional manner
• Strong desire to assist people and pets
• Previous experience working in a shelter or veterinary setting preferred but not required
• Able to work variable hours/schedule in accordance with organization’s needs
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with veterinary and/or shelter specific software a plus
• Able to maintain professional work standards across variable working conditions