Animal Care Assistant - Part Time

St. Clair County; United States; On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

St Clair County invites applications for an Animal Care Assistant - Animal Services (Part Time). The role supports the county's no-kill mission by providing hands-on care for dogs and cats and serving as a friendly ambassador for residents, volunteers, and adopters visiting the shelter.

Responsibilities include basic animal care, safety, enrichment, and collaboration with veterinary and operations staff. Weekend/evening hours may be required as part of a flexible schedule to meet lifesaving

Qualifications

• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a busy shelter.
• Knowledge of animal services facility operations and safety.
• Experience with safe handling of dogs and cats.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for animal shelters.
• Strong verbal and written communication with staff, volunteers, and public.
• Comfort using county computer systems and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic and routine animal care including feeding, watering, and handling.
• Support animals with medical issues by medicating, treating, observing, and reporting needs.
• Provide socialization, enrichment, and exercise for dogs and cats.
• Identify behavioral issues and share observations with the team.
• Assist in maintaining clean, safe shelter spaces and accurate records.

Skills

Task prioritization

Animal shelter operations

Safe animal handling

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Computer systems

Job description

Summary

Animal Care Assistant - Animal Services (Part Time)
Plays a direct role in achieving St Clair County's no-kill mission and goal by providing hands on care for the animals in the shelter, providing community service to our residents, and serving as ambassadors for county residents, volunteers, & adopters who visit the facility. Contribute to the health, wellbeing, and general care of dogs and cats.

Examples of duties

• Provides excellent customer service to visitors, volunteers, & adopters.

• Provides basic and routine care for the animals per department guidelines, including feeding, watering, and handling.
• Supports animals with medical issues, which may include zoonotic disease, by medicating, treating, preparing special diets, observing & reporting, and assisting in the maintenance of required records.
• Provides socialization, enrichment, and exercise for the animals as directed. These activities include but are not limited to dog walking, training, & playgroups.
• Identifies behavioral issues and shares observations with team members and leaders. Follows behavior or training plans developed for specific animals.
• Cleans work areas and preserves the physical appearance of buildings and grounds. Including but not limited to scooping, raking, sweeping, mopping & trash removal. Notes maintenance or repairs needed and reports as protocol.
• Follows policies, procedures, & task lists for daily lifesaving outcome assignments, including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, & recordkeeping.
• Strictly adheres to established safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, and the general public.
• Attends job specific training classes as assigned by supervisor; this includes but is not limited to Defensive Dog Handling, Dogs Playing for Life & Fear Free Training.
• Participates in community outreach and education activities regarding animal services and compliance with county animal ordinances. Participate in appropriate public relations events, fundraisers, initiatives, and special programs created by the organization.
• Strong understanding of basic animal medical and behavioral needs. Responsible for ensuring all medical and behavioral needs of the animals are being addressed and met.
• Works emergency situations (including weather and other extreme conditions) as required.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Qualifications

• Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to resolve difficult situations and problems.
• Good knowledge and understanding of practices, policies, and procedures pertaining to the operation of an Animal Services Facility or small animal shelter/kennel environment.
• Good knowledge and understanding of practices and procedures in the safe handling of all types of animals under varying conditions.
• Good knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job responsibilities.
• Good knowledge and understanding of all county computer systems and software applications required to perform job duties.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with staff, veterinary offices, the general public, and other stakeholders. Able to explain policies, practices, and procedures for clarity and understanding by direct reports and other stakeholders.

Supplemental information

Indoor/Outdoor situation, varying weather conditions, including inclement weather. Regularly performs moderately strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions, including rain, extreme heat & humidity, & long exposure to sunlight. Daily exposure to dogs and cats of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status. High noise environment while performing certain duties. Be able to restrain, handle, and lift animals, up to 100 pounds with assistance. Periodic high stress situations that may involve angry or frustrated citizens. Part Time weekend hours and possibly holidays as well.