Animal Care Technician - PTNB

Alexander County, NC; Taylorsville (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexander County, NC seeks an Animal Care Assistant to provide daily care for impounded dogs and cats in the county animal shelter. Duties include feeding, cleaning, socializing animals, and assisting with vaccination and euthanasia as needed under supervision.

The role requires high school diploma or GED, valid NC driver's license, and the ability to follow written protocols and work independently. Weekend/holiday shifts and front desk coverage may be required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED.
• Possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Experience as a veterinary technician or assistant or with experience in a commercial kennel setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Feeds impounded dogs and cats following specific protocols.
• Moves animals between enclosures as needed.
• Cleans and disinfects dog and cat enclosures and bedding daily.
• Provides social interaction to improve adoptability of animals.
• Assists with euthanasia, vaccination, and de-worming as required.
• Assists with transporting animals and receiving donations when needed.
• Covers front desk and counsels potential adopters.

Skills

Animal handling

Safety practices

Independent work

Communication

Compassion for animals

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid NC driver’s license

Job description

Position Description

Provides care for impounded dogs and cats in the county animal shelter. An employee in this class performs tasks associated with care of impounded animals and general cleaning of the kennel and cattery areas. Work involves feeding animals, moving animals from one enclosure to another, and cleaning primary animal enclosures, laundry, and other kennel areas following strict cleaning and disinfection protocols based on the Animal Welfare Act. Work also involves assisting the shelter manager with euthanasia, vaccination, and de-worming of animals as needed. Employee is subject to the usual hazards of handling dogs and cats. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Director but ability to follow specific protocols independent of direct supervision is expected. Weekend and holiday work may be required. Employee also is cross-trained to cover front desk duties and to counsel potential adopters as needed.

Responsibilities

• Feeds impounded animals following specific protocols.
• Moves animals from one enclosure to another as needed.
• Cleans & disinfects both cat and dog enclosures, including cleaning litter pans, following specific protocols.
• Cleans and launders dog and cat bedding, along with other other kennel laundry, on a daily basis.
• Provides social interaction with dogs and cats to enhance their adoptability.
• Assists shelter veterinarian or shelter manager with euthanasia, vaccination, and de-worming as required.
• Assists with transporting animals and picking up donations when needed.
• Shares responsibility for counseling potential adopters.
• Shares responsibility for front desk coverage.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Working knowledge of handling of dogs and cats, especially poorly socialized ones with little or no training.
• Working knowledge of safety practices concerning the handling of dogs and cats.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral instructions as well as step-by-step written protocols.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to handle fearful and untamed animals with compassion and empathy.

Required Minimum Education / Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED.
• Possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Experience Preferred

Experience as a veterinary technician or assistant or with experience in a commercial kennel setting.

Non-eligible Part-time Employees Are Eligible For The Following Benefits

• Discount Tickets
• Employee Health Clinic at Alexander County Health Department
• YMCA – No joining or monthly membership fees for eligible employees.