Animal Shelter Attendant

Craven County Government; New Bern (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven County Government is seeking staff to perform 75% animal care and cleaning duties at the county animal shelter. Responsibilities include feeding, exercising, grooming, and monitoring health; cleaning and disinfecting kennels and lighting areas; and handling public adoption processes.

The role includes 20% administrative tasks such as answering inquiries and paperwork, and 5% other duties including disaster response.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school is required.
• One year of animal handling experience is required.
• Knowledge of basic animal behavior and handling is necessary.
• Understanding of cleaning and disinfecting methods and proper use of cleaning materials.

Responsibilities

• Care for shelter animals including feeding, watering, grooming, and exercise.
• Disinfect housing, clean cages, and maintain cleanliness of the shelter areas.
• Observe animals for illness or injury and report concerns.
• Assist with adoption or reclaim processes and public interactions.
• Vaccinate or assist with vaccinations if certified and assist veterinarians in procedures.
• Maintain and organize shelter supplies and inventory.

Job description

75% Animal Care / Cleaning

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all animal housing areas (cages, runs, related areas) as often as necessary.
• Provide shelter animals with proper food and water.
• Give shelter animals prescribed medications as required and document on medical logs accordingly.
• Wash and sterilize water and food bowls.
• Launder animal bedding and other items as necessary.
• Groom and exercise animals as necessary.
• Routinely observe animal appearance and activity.
• Be aware of and report any signs of illness, disease, and/or injury to supervisor or veterinarian for evaluation.
• Recognize, record, and report any unusual condition or abnormal behavior of any shelter animal.
• Receive animals through shelter intake process and check for microchip identification when needed. Ensure proper identification and information is posted on kennel/cage and matches PetPoints documentation.
• Update or have supervisor update animal location and/or any information in PetPoints when an animal is moved or changes occur.
• Be familiar with animals available for adoption, assist the public with appropriate adoption choices to include introductions, providing pertinent information about the animals, and meet and greets between current pet(s) and the animal being considered for adoption.
• Release animals to owners only after verifying proper documentation and vaccinations have been completed.
• Assist public, other shelter staff, and Animal Control Officers with handling or restraint of animals following policy and procedures to ensure safety of people and animal(s).
• If certified to do so, vaccinate animals as assigned.
• Assist veterinarian with surgical procedures.
• Assist with behavior evaluations of shelter animals when necessary.
• Based on credentials, perform or assist with euthanasia of identified animals when deemed necessary.
• General cleaning of other shelter areas (inside and outside) – pick up trash, sweep, mop, empty trash, etc. Ensure areas safe and clean for animals and the public.
• Maintain equipment used to complete job assignments and keeping such equipment and tools in good working condition. Keep equipment and tools put away in proper storage areas.
• Unpacking, labeling, and stocking of shelter supplies and donations.
• Assist with monitoring inventory of supplies and notify supervisor of items that need to be ordered.

20% Administrative

• Answer phones and greet the public entering the shelter.
• Answering questions and providing appropriate information regarding shelter animals and adoption or reclaim procedures.
• Provide public education regarding rabies vaccination requirements for dogs and cats.
• Assist with intake/reclaim/adoption paperwork.
• Other administrative duties assigned as needed.

5% Other

• In the event of a disaster, may be required to assist as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or management.

Graduation from high school and one year of animal handling experience.

Special Requirements

G.S. 153A-94.2(b) Subject to SBI criminal history record check prior to hire.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Knowledge and skills in basic animal behavior and controlling/handling individual animal temperament. Proper methods of restraint and the ability to gain animal confidence when restraining. Cleaning and disinfecting methods and the use and care of cleaning materials and equipment. Knowledge of common diseases, their symptoms and means of transmission, administration of medications, assessment of change in animal status.

Physical Requirements

Employee must be able to handle and control animals to prevent injury to themselves, other people, and the animal(s). Must be physically able to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions. Must be able bend, stoop, kneel, and lift / move heavy animals or objects. A significant amount of walking and standing is also required.