Animal Shelter Assistant

Livingston County; Howell (MI); On-site; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401a retirement plan with employer up

Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, D ent

HSA with employer match

457 Deferred Compensation plan

Disability & Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid vacation, sick days & 13 Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness reimbursement

Pet Insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Livingston County Animal Shelter is seeking an informed and compassionate Animal Shelter Assistant to care for animals, vaccinate, assist with pre- and post-surgical care, and help evaluate animals for adoption. The role includes customer service to visitors and adopters, and responding to animal-related inquiries.

The position is full-time, non-union, with a competitive pay scale and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 1 year of animal care experience preferred.
• Certified to perform euthanasia and rabies testing.
• Michigan Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Care for animals in the shelter; provide vaccinations and assist with surgical care.
• Evaluate animals for potential adoptions; assist visitors and adopters.
• Respond to complaints regarding animals and bites.
• Operate and maintain kennel and office equipment; use Microsoft Suite.

Skills

Animal care

Vaccinations

Communication

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Software literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Anesthesia machines

Pulse oximeters

Veterinary software

Job description

Livingston County was named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 6 elected offices, and 3 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Animal Control Director, is responsible for the care and well-being of the animals at the shelter, including but not limited to providing vaccinations, assisting with pre- and post-surgical care, and evaluating animals for potential adoptions. Provides customer service to visitors, potential adopters, and responds to complaints regarding animals and animal bites.

Benefits:

• Retirement plan includes a 401a with up to 8% employer contribution
• Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, Dental & Vision
• Optional HSA with an employer match
• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Short-term & Long-term disability & Basic Life & AD&D insurance
• Health & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid vacation, sick days & 13 Holidays. Unused vacation and sick time rolls over
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Up to $500 annual Wellness reimbursement* & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment.
• Voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital & Whole Life policies
• Employee assistance program

*Pro-rated based on DOH

Pay Rate Information:

The Animal Shelter Assistant position is a full-time, non-union position and starting pay is $21.17/hour. This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Non-Union Grade 3 Wage Scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $26.80/hour.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• High school diploma or GED and one year of experience caring for animals including performing vaccinations, euthanasia and assisting in surgeries.
• The County, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Certified to perform euthanasia and rabies testing.
• Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of shelter animal care and kennel care and cleanliness.
• Knowledge of sanitary procedures and practices, animal behavior, observing and caring for animals, performing vaccinations and humane euthanasia, and pre and post-surgical care of animals.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the County, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications and ability to learn software used by animal control.
• Skill in the use of specialized medical equipment including, but not limited to, anesthesia machines, pulse oximeters, and other equipment as needed.
• Ability to attend to duties scheduled at times other than normal business hours.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both in an office and in the kennel area. While in the office, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes.

While performing the kennel-related duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit, stand, walk, run and move freely at any time. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects of up to 40 pounds without assistance and restrain and/or control aggressive animals. The noise level in the work environment may be quiet to very loud. Though applicable safety procedures are documented and utilized, the incumbent may be exposed to unsanitary or unhygienic materials, individuals and situations in the course of performing required duties.