Animal Care Support Technician

Wayside Waifs, Inc.; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Animal Care Support Technician to ensure a high standard of care for shelter animals. This role involves routine cleaning, maintaining supplies, and supporting animal care operations. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills while working independently. Join a compassionate team that values the well-being of animals and fosters a supportive environment for both staff and volunteers. If you are passionate about animal welfare and enjoy a hands-on role, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience with animal care is a plus but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely completion of laundry and cleaning tasks.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of animal care supplies.
• Assist with training and retaining volunteers.

Skills

Animal Care Experience

Attention to Detail

Problem-Solving Skills

Independence

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Commercial Laundry Appliances

Job description

Description

Non-Exempt, Full-Time

Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 40 hours per week. Some evening hours may be required.

Starting Pay: $16 / hour, depending on experience

POSITION SUMMARY

The Animal Care Support Technician is responsible for ensuring that all shelter animals experience a high degree of care, compassion, and support during their stay at Wayside Waifs by performing routine cleaning of laundry, dishes, and other items necessary for daily animal care and enrichment. This individual will help to maintain smooth and efficient operations of animal care by ensuring all tasks are completed in a timely and compliant manner and in accordance with Wayside Waifs operating procedures. The Animal Care Support Technician will establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteers, other members of Wayside staff, and periodically members of the public.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Start and complete laundry on a timely schedule by ensuring loads are changed efficiently throughout the entire shift.
• Fold and sort towels, linens, pet beds, pet toys, and other laundry items by material.
• Clean and sanitize animal feeding, care, enrichment, and laundry supplies daily.
• Ensure all supplies, including crates, kennels, cleaning, etc. are stocked and available for use; communicate with appropriate staff to ensure all inventory is maintained at assigned levels.
• Maintain working and general areas within department in a clean and organized manner.
• Use and maintain commercial laundry appliances and other tools with care and report any deficiencies immediately.
• Assist with training and retaining volunteers as appropriate.
• Participate in disease reduction through handling of all animal care tools and supplies in a manner consistent with veterinary standards to include tasks such as cleaning and sanitizing, including crate cleaning for all departments.
• Attend Wayside-sponsored courses as assigned, which are required to enhance knowledge of regulatory, safety, and operational standards as well as animal handling skills and additional relevant areas.
• Regularly communicate with supervisor, discussing any challenges, ideas, or suggestions related to the department or overall shelter operations.
• Willingly and cooperatively perform other duties as assigned, such as assisting the Canine and Feline Care Teams when requested by supervisor and monitoring walking lists.

Requirements

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Animal experience is a plus but not required.
• Demonstrated success in working independently and completing work without close supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and task orientation.
• High standard of dependability for promptness and attendance.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills to better serve animals and the organization.

Physical/Environmental:

• Must be able to lift 50lbs to waist height.
• Repetitive bending, kneeling, stooping, and similar movements are required.
• Able to work with exposure to wet and/or humid and outdoor weather conditions.
• Significant amount of standing during a typical day, exposure to fumes, animal smells, airborne particles, and hot and cool temperatures.
• Noise level is moderate to high.
• Exposure to a variety of animals and animal waste.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED