Animal Care Tech I

Pasco County; Land O' Lakes (FL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Pasco County in Florida seeks an Animal Care Technician I to care for impounded animals and assist the public with inquiries. The role involves kennel sanitation, feeding, health observation, and reporting concerns to a supervisor.

Prior high school completion and six months animal-handling experience are required, along with a valid Florida driver’s license and certification as an Euthanasia Technician within six months of hire.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Six months experience handling animals or custodial duties in an animal-related profession.
• Valid Florida driver's license; Florida Euthanasia Technician certification within six months.

Responsibilities

• Care for impounded animals and maintain kennels in a sanitary manner.
• Feed, water, observe animal conditions, and report illnesses to supervisor.
• Assist with euthanasia of predetermined animals and cremation of carcasses.
• Provide accurate information to the public and assist in shelter office paperwork.
• Answer phones and handle citizen complaints as needed.

Skills

Knowledge of animal control laws

Animal Services ordinances

Public communication

Independent work

Handle large/active animals

Written and oral communication

Reading for comprehension

Judgment and decision making

Vehicle operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Six months animal handling experience

Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM AS AN ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN I

Work which involves caring for impounded animals and dealing with the general public. Requires tactful and courteous communications with the general public. The majority of the work occurs in the animal shelter, directly working with the animals. Job responsibilities are broken down as follows: 65% working with animals, 30% dealing with the public, and 5% spent on paperwork and other duties.

Cleans and maintains kennel in a sanitary manner. Performs minor maintenance work on buildings and grounds. Feeds, waters, and observes the condition of animals held in the kennel. Reports suspected illness or injuries of animals to the supervisor. Assists with euthanasia of predetermined animals and cremation of animal carcasses.

Provides accurate information to the public. Assists in the shelter office and prepares required paperwork. Answers telephones and takes citizen's complaints when needed. Performs related work as required.

• Ability to gain knowledge of laws relating to animal control.
• Ability to learn and retain information concerning Animal Services Ordinances.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with the public and fellow employees.
• Ability to make mature judgments.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to learn different breeds of animals and identify common animal diseases.
• Knowledge ofthe principles and objectives of animal control.
• Ability to support and apply the principles and objectives of animal control.
• Ability to operate a vehicle.
• Ability to project a neat and professional appearance.
• Ability toapplyqualitywritten and oral communication skills.
• Ability to read for comprehension.
• Must be able to physically control highly active/aggressive animals, potentially weighing in excess of 80 pounds, using available equipment.

PHYSICAL SKILLS

Must be able to physically control highly active/aggressive animals, potentially weighing in excess of 80 pounds, using available equipment. Ability to bend, stretch, stoop, kneel, reach and climb frequently. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written, and visual communication.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Six (6) months experience handling animals or performing custodial duties in an animal related profession, such as grooming facility, animal training business, veterinary facility, boarding kennel or in a private or public animal shelter.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS

Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Must obtain Florida Certification as a Euthanasia Technician within six (6) months of hire.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have and maintain a working telephone as employee is subject to call.

ADA STATEMENT

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law, requiring pre-employment drug/alcohol testing.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7 , Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021