Kennel Worker I

Cookeville; Melrose (TN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid Life Insurance

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Account

Voluntary Benefits

Pension and 401k Retirement Savings

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick time – 8 hours/month

Paid Vacation time – 8 hours/month

Job summary

City of Cookeville seeks a Kennel Worker I to assist with daily animal care under the Shelter Operations Manager. Responsibilities include handling animals humanely, maintaining cleanliness, supporting adoptions, and processing intake and medical information.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a Tennessee driver’s license, with a flexible weekend schedule and occasional holidays. Prior animal care or customer service experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• TN driver's license required.
• Six months' animal care or customer service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Care for animals and sanitation of the shelter building.
• Assist with adoptions, owner reclaim, and lost/found reports.
• Enter intake, outcome, and medical information in shelter database.
• Administer medications, vaccinations and special diets as directed.
• Respond to inquiries by phone, email, and in person.
• Perform weekly inventory of supplies and medications.
• Assist in euthanasia and crematory operations as needed.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Animal handling

Communication

Safety awareness

Driving

Euthanasia procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

TN driver's license

Job description

• Position Title: Kennel Worker I
• Pay Grade: D
• Department: Animal Shelter
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Reports To: Shelter Operations Manager
• Safety Sensitive: No
• Position Supervises: No
• Date Approved: 10/2013
• Date Revised: 03/2026

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required, and subject to change, as approved by the City Manager.

Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays. Must be available every Saturday and rotating Sundays. Schedules are four 10-hour days, rotating days off.

JOB SUMMARY:

Employees in this position are under the general supervision of the Shelter Operations Manager.

Examples of work performed: performs routine manual tasks relative to the care of all animals housed at the shelter and to the sanitation of the building; handles animals in a humane manner as dictated by departmental regulations; assists with the restraint of animals; receives incoming animals from visitors and Animal Control; assists visitors with adoptions, owner reclaims and reporting lost/found animals; collects and receipt fees and donations; accurately enters intake, outcome and medical information in shelter database to generate appropriate forms; responds to inquiries via phone, email and in person; performs basic physical and behavioral evaluations on incoming animals; reports any health or behavior concerns observed during execution of duties to Operations Manager or Director; administers medications, vaccinations and specialized diets; conducts weekly inventory of regularly used supplies and medications; updates animal locations in kennel daily; assists with euthanasia and crematory operations; contacts supervisor as questions on procedures arise; notifies Operations Manager or Director of any maintenance or safety concerns observed during execution of duties; performs related duties as required. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of and proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite

Ability to handle animals in a safe and humane manner in accordance with shelter regulations

Ability to work under adverse conditions including extremes of temperature, humidity, and odors

Ability to remain calm and professional in emotionally charged situations

Ability to drive a light duty vehicle

Ability to assist in euthanasian of animals

Ability to follow oral and written instructions

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and co-workers

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A high school diploma or equivalent and a TN driver's license are required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Six months' professional animal care or customer service experience is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical:

Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing. The position requires regular physical activity including bending, twisting, climbing and lifting up to 50 pounds on a regular basis as well moving about an office and using contemporary office equipment.

Environmental:

Employees have frequent exposure to animal related hazards and emotional situations with the public. High stress may occur due to attachments made in caring for animals with the knowledge of possible euthanasia of these animals. Employees may be exposed to bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the course of their duties. The use of disinfectants may result in potential respiratory and skin irritation. Cleaning activities present slip hazards, particularly on wet surfaces. The role also involves a significant amount of repetitive motion. Additionally, employees may be exposed to a variety of potential allergens.

FULL-TIME BENEFITS SUMMARY:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Voluntary Benefits
• Pension and 401k Retirement Savings
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick time – 8 hours/month
• Paid Vacation time – 8 hours/month

City of Cookeville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Human Resources division at [phone].