Animal Care Techinician

Animal Protection Society of Durham; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS) in Durham, NC is hiring a Full-Time Animal Care Technician to provide compassionate daily care for dogs, cats, and other shelter animals. You will clean kennels, feed and water animals, monitor health, and assist with intake and vaccinations to support a clean, safe shelter environment.

The role requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, work in a fast-paced setting, and communicate effectively with team members.

Qualifications

• Compassion for animals and people.
• Ability to work in a shelter environment.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn shelter software.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for dogs, cats, and shelter animals.
• Clean and disinfect kennels and housing areas.
• Feed animals and ensure fresh water.
• Observe and report medical or behavioral concerns.
• Assist with animal intake, vaccinations, and transfers.
• Maintain shelter sanitation and stock supplies.

Skills

Compassion for animals

Dependable

Efficient in fast-paced settings

Attention to detail

Team communication

Willingness to learn

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

FULL-TIME ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN

Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS). Durham, NC.

40 Hours Per Week. $16–$19 per hour.

JOIN THE APS TEAM!

Do you believe every animal deserves compassionate care, a clean environment, and a chance at a better life?

The Animal Protection Society of Durham is seeking dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate Full-Time Animal Care Technicians to join our Animal Care team.

This is a hands‑on position where every shift directly impacts the health, comfort, and wellbeing of hundreds of animals waiting for their new homes. Animal Care Technicians are the backbone of shelter operations. From providing daily care and enrichment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, you'll play a vital role in helping animals thrive during their stay at APS.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Provide compassionate daily care for dogs, cats, and other shelter animals.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, and animal housing areas using established shelter protocols.
• Feed animals and ensure fresh water is always available.
• Observe animals closely and report medical or behavioral concerns promptly.
• Assist with animal intake, including vaccinations and moving animals safely throughout the shelter.
• Help unload Animal Services vehicles and safely transfer incoming animals.
• Maintain laundry, dishes, and other shelter sanitation needs.
• Stock food, supplies, and equipment throughout the shelter.
• Assist with enrichment activities and provide positive interactions with animals whenever possible.
• Support other departments as needed to help ensure excellent care for every animal.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• Compassion for animals and the people who care about them.
• Dependable, hardworking, and willing to pitch in wherever needed.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness.
• Ability to communicate effectively with teammates.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Comfortable working around animals of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and medical conditions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience working in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, boarding facility, kennel, daycare, farm, or rescue organization.
• Experience handling dogs and cats safely.
• Knowledge of Fear Free or low-stress animal handling practices is a plus.
• Experience administering vaccines or medications is helpful but not required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently and up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, walk, and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and around cleaning chemicals, animal dander, noise, and occasional unpleasant odors.
• Comfortable working with animals that may be frightened, stressed, sick, or injured.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn shelter software.

WHY APS?

Every day at APS is different—but every day matters. Whether you're comforting a frightened puppy, preparing a kennel for a new arrival, or helping an animal begin its journey to a new home, your work makes a real difference.

At APS, you'll join a dedicated team committed to providing compassionate care, supporting one another, and creating positive outcomes for animals and our community.

Animal Protection Society of Durham.
2117 E. Club Blvd.
Durham, NC 27704

APS of Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants.