Animal Shelter Technician

City of Cedar Rapids; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking an Animal Shelter Technician to join the Animal Service team. You will provide daily care for animals, assist with shelter maintenance, and support humane treatment and well-being in our community.

The role offers a meaningful opportunity to impact animal welfare and the Cedar Rapids community, with competitive pay and benefits. Responsibilities include cleaning, feeding, assisting with animal captures, and supporting adoptions, recalls, and public inquiries.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide maintenance services for animal shelter buildings and runs, including cleaning, repairs and disinfecting.
• Feed and water animals and assist with their daily care.
• Assist in capturing animals and serving as relief control officer as needed.
• Assist in destruction and disposal of animals and transport to veterinarian for shots.
• Engage with the public on adoptions, reclaim and surrender processes; answer inquiries.

Skills

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

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 take 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.

About our Organization

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.

About our Community

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!

About this Opportunity

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.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Education and Experience

• 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

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Driver’s License

Other Required Qualifications

• None

Work Schedule

• Sunday - Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm

Hourly Rate

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 Hire: $23.11
• 1 year: $25.56
• 2 years: $27.02
• 3 years: $28.42