Animal Shelter Care Attendant

St Mary's County Government; California (MD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Animal Care Attendant to join their team. This role involves caring for animals in a shelter environment, ensuring their well-being through feeding, cleaning, and monitoring. You'll assist with medical procedures, support adoption processes, and provide exceptional customer service to visitors. The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. If you're passionate about animal welfare and looking for a fulfilling role in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of proper animal handling and safety practices.
• Proficiency with animal management software and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Caring for animals in the shelter, including feeding and cleaning.
• Assisting with animal adoptions and providing customer service.
• Monitoring animal conditions and reporting health issues.

Skills

Animal Handling

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Problem Solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Animal Management Software

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position involves caring for animals in the shelter, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring their behavior. Responsibilities include assisting Animal Shelter Health Attendants with animal restraint for medical procedures, performing maintenance, technical, and administrative duties such as reporting and monitoring animal activities, and providing excellent customer service to shelter visitors. The role also includes responding promptly to phone and email requests, and supporting adoption processes.

1. Cleaning and disinfecting animal pens, floors, and related areas following established protocols.
2. Monitoring animal conditions and implementing measures to prevent disease transmission.
3. Providing general office assistance, including answering phones, data entry, and managing shelter supplies and donations.
4. Assisting with animal adoptions, guiding customers, answering questions, and helping with adoption procedures.
5. Assisting with animal restraint during vaccinations and medical tests.
6. Recognizing and reporting unusual animal behaviors or health issues to shelter staff.
7. Releasing animals to their owners or custodians as directed.
8. Washing and drying towels, blankets, and cleaning supplies.
9. Preparing and dispensing food, ensuring dietary needs are met.
10. Performing preventive maintenance and minor repairs on equipment, and reporting major repairs.
11. Transporting sick or injured animals to veterinarians and disinfecting animal spaces.
12. Providing outstanding customer service and promoting shelter programs and events.
13. Providing guidance to volunteers and addressing safety concerns immediately.
14. Assisting with behavioral evaluations and enrichment protocols.
15. Participating in maintaining shelter sanitation with inmate work detail.
16. Performing other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Knowledge of proper animal handling and safety practices.
2. Proficiency with animal management software and Microsoft Office applications.
3. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the public, volunteers, and agencies.
4. Strong communication skills.

Minimum Education and Experience

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. At least one year of professional animal handling and customer service experience.
3. Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Additional Requirements

1. Valid driver's license and age 18 or older.
2. Subject to call-back and emergency situations.
3. Ability to operate a County vehicle safely.
4. Ability to obtain Humane Euthanasia Certification within six months.
5. Pre-exposure rabies vaccinations and negative drug screening.
6. Successful background check.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

Ability to lift and control animals weighing up to 150 lbs., stand for long periods, and work in physically and emotionally demanding environments. Exposure to hazards from animals and cleaning agents is possible. Must work non-standard hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and be willing to assist with euthanasia and emergency shelter operations.