Animal Care Specialist

City-of-Lewisville,-Tx; Lewisville (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lewisville seeks a dedicated Animal Care Assistant to support shelter operations, assist officers and staff, and help with volunteer and foster programs. You will perform humane care for animals, assist with transports, and help maintain a clean, safe facility.

Responsibilities include handling animals, assisting with medical procedures as assigned, and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Six months of animal care experience or training.
• Must complete Texas DHS Animal Control Officer Basic Course within six months.
• Must obtain Texas DHS Certified Euthanasia Technician within four months.
• Must pass background, drug test, medical exam, and JPA.
• Must hold a valid Texas Class C driver's license with good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates animal care, housekeeping and shelter maintenance tasks.
• Assists with euthanasia, answering phones, dispatching and shelter visitors.
• Supports volunteers and foster programs; assists with shelter operations.
• Cleans kennels, cages, receptacles, and maintains sanitation throughout shifts.
• Monitors animal health and records observations.
• Performs or assists with blood draws, vaccinations and related procedures.

Skills

Animal handling

Communication skills

Safety and SOP adherence

Physical stamina

Computer familiarity

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Texas DHS Animal Control Officer Basic Course

Texas DHS Certified Euthanasia Technician certification

Job description

United States of America (Non-Exempt)POSITION SUMMARYAssists with coordinating animal care, housekeeping, and shelter maintenance tasks; assists officers and other shelter staff with euthanasia, answering phones, dispatching; interacts with and assists shelter visitors; assists with shelters’ Volunteer and Foster program; performs or assists with other shelter work tasks as instructed by a supervisor.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSManagement reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.May perform humane euthanasia when needed.Cleans and sanitizes kennels, cages, food and water receptacles, animal traps, waste cans, floors, walls, and maintains cleanliness and orderliness throughout work-shift.Feed and water animals.Disposes of deceased animals.Cleans storerooms, counters, shelves, windows, and maintains cleanliness and orderliness throughout work-shift.Polices grounds, clean sidewalks, and clean exterior building surfaces.Monitors animal health conditions, and records general observations.Performs blood draws, vaccinations, and other medical procedures as assigned.Handles and processes a wide variety of animals.Performs all other related duties as assigned.POSITION QUALIFICATIONSEducation: High School Diploma or GED required.Experience: Six (6) months of successful animal care or related experience or training.Any combination of related, education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.Licenses and Certifications: Must possess or acquire the Texas Department of State Health Services Animal Control Officer Basic Course within six (6) months of hire. Must possess or acquire the Texas Department of State Health Services Certified Euthanasia Technician certification within four (4) months of hire.Conditions of Employment: Must submit to and pass a criminal background, pre-employment drug test, pre-placement medical examination and the job placement assessment (JPA). Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver’s License Class “C” and good driving record as defined by City policy.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESKnowledge of: Common dog and cat diseases and basic animal care requirements.Skilled in: Accepting responsibility and account for his/her actions; following instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks; being punctual and attend work regularly; working effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type; performing work accurately and thoroughly; communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; using hand tools, ladders, high pressure washer, cleaning agents and equipment, and animal handling equipment; writing information accurately and legibly on forms and records; effectively communicating on two-way radio and telephone; safely and routinely transport 50 lbs.; reading, understanding, and following written instructions; safely caring for and handling all types of animals; following oral and written instructions; applying relevant State regulations to daily animal care and sheltering work; operating a personal computer and using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, internet applications, and other job-related software; and working effectively with people regardless of their race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran's status, genetics, or job type.Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Must be medically fit to work with animals and have the strength and agility to lift and carry items or animals up to 100 pounds. While performing this job, employees routinely stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.The position may occasionally require lifting or carrying supplies, animals, or equipment. Employees must regularly lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift, push, or pull up to 75 to 100 pounds with or without assistance. Typical daily lifting requirements for certain tasks range from 50 to 75 pounds.Must be willing to obtain a pre-exposure rabies vaccination, and, when medically required, revaccination shots. It also requires regular work with a personal computer, walking, standing, bending, stooping and reaching. May be exposed to dust and noise. May work on uneven and/or slippery surfaces. Must meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties without risk of injury to self or others, lift large animals, climb ladders and stairs, and chase animals. Must be able to work in exposure to animal dander, waste, animal bites, and various cleaning and disinfectants.The City of Lewisville has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities, which may be required. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.Levels of positions within a class series are distinguished by the level of responsibility assumed, the complexity of duties assigned, the independence of action taken, the nature of the public contact made, and the impact and span of tasks performed.This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The City of Lewisville has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.PAY, BENEFITS & WHAT WE OFFERMore Than a Job — Build Your Career with LewisvilleJoin the City of Lewisville and enjoy a competitive total rewards package designed to support you at work, at home, and throughout your career.Explore Employee Benefits!Work Hours: This position follows the City of Lewisville’s flexible work week, with a typical schedule of:Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM–5:30 PMFriday 7:30–11:30 AMThis schedule provides employees with a shorter Friday while supporting work-life balance and continued service to our community.Salary Range: $42,029 - $53,678Here’s how our salary ranges work:Starting Salary: $42,029This is the starting annual salary for new employees hired into this position.Full Salary Range: $42,029 - $53,678This is the full annual salary range for the position. As you gain experience, develop your skills, and demonstrate successful performance in the role, you may have opportunities for salary growth within the full range.