Animal Shelter Technician
City of Cedar Rapids
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a caring and dependable Animal Shelter Technician to join our Animal Service team. You will provide daily care and comfort to animals in our facility while supporting humane treatment and well-being for every animal that comes through our doors.
This on-site, full-time role follows Sunday to Thursday 8:30am–5:00pm. Qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED and one year of experience in animal operations; a valid driver’s license is required.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- One year of experience in animal control operations, kennel operations or related field.
- Ability to communicate effectively and work with diverse populations.
Responsibilities
- Provide maintenance, cleaning, and care for animals and shelter facilities.
- Assist in animal control, transport to the veterinarian, and intake processing.
- Advise the public on animal-related policies and adoptions.
- Attend work regularly and support process improvements.
Skills
Education
Job description
The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.
Are you passionate about animal care and looking for a way to make a difference in your community? The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a caring and dependable Animal Shelter Technician to join our Animal Service team! In this role, you'll help provide daily care and comfort to animals in our facility while supporting our mission to ensure the humane treatment and well-being of every animal that come through our doors. You will be part of a compassionate team that makes a real impact every day. The City takes pride in providing exceptional care to animals and excellent service to our community. In addition, to meaningful work, we offer competitive pay, great benefits, and opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
At the City of Cedar Rapids, we are committed to organizational health and employing individuals who reflect our diverse community, and this position is crucial in the success of this commitment. The City of Cedar Rapids is innovative and forward thinking, and we value and leverage an individual's experiences beyond the technical requirements of a job. Experience, skills, and commitment to our core values is key to building a stronger organization and stronger community, now and for the next generation.
Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!
Responsible for providing maintenance services, including cleaning, construction and repair of animal shelter buildings and runs; caring for animals and assisting with the control and disposal of animals.
- Cleans, repairs, and disinfects kennel and animal shelter runs;
- Feeds and waters animals.
- Cleans and performs minor repairs to animal shelter buildings.
- Performs grounds maintenance, including shoveling snow.
- Answers questions from citizens inquiring about their pets or seeking to adopt a pet.
- Assists in capturing animals; serves as relief control officer on an as-needed basis.
- Assists in destruction and disposal of animals.
- Delivers animals to veterinarian for shots.
- Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices.
- Attends work regularly at the designated place and time.
- Supports continuous process improvement initiatives.
- Advises public of applicable animal control ordinances.
- Answers incoming calls, return call, takes lost and found reports.
- Through cleaning and disinfecting of all areas in shelter.
- Provide public assistance with adoptions, reclaims and surrenders.
- Maintains regular and consistent attendance at work.
- Performs related work as required.
- High School Diploma (or GED equivalent) and
- One year of experience in animal control operations, enforcement activities, kennel operations and monitoring animal behavior
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations
- Valid Driver’s License
- None
- Sunday - Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm
The Animal Shelter Technician Is Covered Under The AFSCME Bargaining Union, And All New Hires Begin Employment At $23.11 Per Hour, Regardless Of Years Of Experience. Employees In This Classification Receive a Step Increase On Their Anniversary. The Steps Effective 7/1/2026 Include New Hire1 year2 years3 years$23.11$25.56$27.02$28.42
The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).
We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.
The City of Cedar Rapids provides outstanding pay, benefits, time off, including:
- Medical co-insurance for participating providers of 90% plan / 10% employee
- Competitive pay
- Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plans (IPERS) with a 9.44% City contribution and 6.29% employee contribution
- 457 deferred compensation employer match program (City will match up to 0.05% of your annual income each calendar year—learn more here.)
- Flexible Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care Accounts- learn more here)
- An average of 11 paid holidays per year
- Up to $3,000 per year in educational assistance
- 4 weeks of paid parental leave
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness – (The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See more info here. )
- Annual pay increases
- Fiscal year pay increases as determined by bargaining contract
- Employees are eligible for longevity pay after 5 years of continuous service
- 100% City paid basic life insurance
- Dental, vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
- View our Bargaining Benefits Summaries
- Expansive job growth opportunities
- Commitment to professional development
- Private health & wellness coaching partnerships
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