Animal Support Attendant - Full Time

County of Roanoke Virginia; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Roanoke Virginia is seeking an animal care attendant to ensure humane treatment and care for all animals. Responsibilities include intake processing, kennel maintenance, vaccines administration, and supporting adoptions.

The role supports the Rescue/ Foster Coordinators, assists at adoption events, and ensures compliance with VDACS requirements and shelter protocols. A high school diploma is required, with experience in customer service preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Some service related experience; preferably with animals and customer service.
• Must be able to obtain certification to perform euthanasia.
• Computer skills: email, software navigation, form entry.

Responsibilities

• Provides humane treatment of all animals at all times.
• Cleans kennels and general areas according to established protocols.
• Processes intake of strays and owner relinquished animals into ShelterNet.
• Provides phone support for lost/found animals and guidance per procedures.
• Administers vaccines and assists in preparing animals for adoption.
• Assists in euthanasia as needed and documents procedures.

Skills

Animal care

Customer service

Recordkeeping

Vaccinations

Team coordination

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

ShelterNet

Job description

• Provides humane treatment of all animals at all times.
• Cleans kennels and general areas of the Center utilizing established Kennel protocols for hygienic cleaning and disinfecting to prevent the spread of disease.
• Processes intake of strays and owner relinquished animals into ShelterNet data base.
• Collects fees related to redeemed animals and adoptions.
• Provides phone support to promptly answer incoming calls related to animals in the shelter or to provide guidance for lost/found animals, which includes checking voicemail for the front desk often throughout the work day as well. Provides information that conforms with the RCACP procedures regarding specific information on animals in the shelter.
• Coordinates appointments for relinquishments, redemptions, and adoptions and accepts donations from the public during regular office hours.
• Provides an accurate and clear picture of all animals in the building to assist in quickly identifying animals with their owners. Ensures that the picture of the animal is uploaded to the ShelterNet software system with an accurate description of when and where the animal was found to assist in finding the owner through our website and other social media.
• Follows assigned work schedule.
• Feeds and cares for animals with appropriate food and water that is required of the species.
• Receives and completes all VDACS required paperwork for the animals and places them in the appropriate caging unit with the correct paperwork.
• Ensures that all animals are kept as clean, dry and comfortable as possible.
• Follows veterinarian approved procedures and provides vaccinations as required.
• Assists in the preparation of animals for adoption, rescue transports, and support, as needed, to the Rescue Coordinator and Foster Coordinator. This assistance includes, but is not limited to, providing administrative support at large adoption events, collecting items needed for specific animal for their adoption including any medication, collecting items needed for successful fostering for each animal, and helping with all the paperwork necessary for ownership changes, adoption contracts, and foster contracts.
• Regularly checks the animals for signs of illness or injury and promptly reports those findings to a supervisor.
• Once properly trained, administers vaccines, medications and implants microchips.
• Participates in the euthanasia of animals as needed and works closely with other attendants on this task. Coordinates with the Kennel Supervisor the completion of the euthanasia list, properly documents the euthanasia drugs that are used, and follows all Commonwealth of Virginia regulations for this activity.
• Humanely euthanizes and disposes of animals using proper methods and equipment when assigned.
• Reports operational problems and/or animal behavior issues to the Kennel Supervisor or other appropriate supervisors in a timely manner.
• Maintains effective working relationships with fellow co-workers, animal control personnel, animal welfare organizations, volunteers.
• Helps in the unloading and the proper stocking of all materials delivered to RCACP.
• Participates in the loading and unloading of animals for spay/neuter by veterinary partners.
• Provides direction to volunteers.

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or Equivalent

Experience

• Required: Some service related experience. Preferred: Experience working with animals and customer service.

Certifications/Licenses

• Required: Must be able to obtain certification to perform euthanasia of animals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Computer skills to include ability to key forms, navigate through software, receive and send email and search internet sources. Ability to comprehend and follow instructions. Ability to schedule and organize work interpedently. Ability to work under minimal supervision. Ability to keep accurate records and follow set procedures. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to document work with simple recordkeeping. Skill in the use of animal care tools, supplies and equipment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides minimal direction to volunteers.

Additional Requirements

• Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results.
• Must maintain a neat professional appearance consistent with company policy.
• Due to the nature of this role, candidates must have a current rabies vaccination or be willing to obtain one upon hire at no cost, as mandated by Roanoke County.
• Must be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.