Kennel Technician

City of Bentonville; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Bentonville is seeking a Kennel Technician to care for shelter animals, maintain kennels, and support veterinary operations. You will feed, bathe, exercise, monitor health, manage records, and assist with adoptions and community outreach, while supervising volunteers and following city SOPs.

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and 6–12 months of animal handling experience; a valid driver license is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 6–12 months of animal handling experience preferred.
• Experience with shelter operations and basic animal care is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Care for animals of different species and health conditions.
• Daily cleaning and disinfecting of kennels and holding areas.
• Feed, bathe, exercise animals and observe health/behavior.
• Monitor animal health and report to a veterinarian as directed.
• Maintain written and digital shelter records and inventory.
• Assist in adoptions and community outreach events.
• Supervise volunteers and follow standard operating procedures.

Skills

Animal handling

Customer service

Recordkeeping

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Safety/Security Status: Security Sensitive

SUMMARY

The Kennel Technician performs a variety of services involving the care and well-being of animals, shelter facilities, veterinary operations, clerical and recordkeeping duties, excellent customer service, and other related tasks. The kennel technician is responsible for feeding, enrichment, and basic medical care to include vaccinations and microchipping of animals in shelter care or in need of services. They also play a key role in directing and supervising the activities of volunteers. The kennel technician is responsible for approximately 100k of the department’s annual budget.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following: reporting, relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change in order to meet City needs or operational requirements. Attendance at work and the ability to get along with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential elements of this position. Other duties may be assigned.

• Care for animals of different species, including those of unknown temperament and health.
• Daily cleaning and disinfecting of facility, kennels, walls, floors, equipment, and animal holding areas to ensure disease management protocol.
• Daily feeding, bathing, and exercising of animals, as well as making medical and behavioral observations.
• Monitoring the physical condition of animals and perform health care as directed by a veterinarian.
• Manage kennel space by performing a daily inventory of animals, as well as performing a weekly inventory of supplies.
• Maintain relevant written and digital records.
• Make arrangements for spay/neuter services and other medical appointments.
• Perform animal disposal services as trained and/or certified as needed.
• Assist in animal adoptions as needed.
• Operate within published standard operating procedures of Bentonville Animal Services.
• Assist in animal shelter operations and staffing with welcoming visitors and answering calls and citizen inquiries about city animal services.
• Play a vital role with the shelter in adoption programs including community events and community education on responsible pet ownership.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Animal Services Manager or Animal Services Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or equivalent and 6 to 12 months of animal handling experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess a valid Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.