Shelter Attendant ? Animal Control Division

Jefferson County, Mo Local Government; Hillsboro (MO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Jefferson County, Mo Local Government operates the Animal Resource Center to care for animals, assist with adoptions, and educate the public. This Shelter Attendant role supports daily animal care, health monitoring, and intake processing in a county shelter environment.

The position requires standing and walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, weekend and holiday rotations, and adherence to safety protocols. Training and access to shelter software are provided.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• No related experience required.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Feed and monitor animal health following veterinary direction.
• Clean and sanitize shelter areas to maintain hygiene.
• Perform daily animal enrichment activities to enhance adoptability.
• Assist in medical procedures, including restraining animals and observing recovery.

Skills

Animal care

Public interactions

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Shelter software

Job description

Close Date

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt

Description

The Animal Resource Center is located at 4848 State Route 30 in House Springs, MO

JOB SUMMARY

Shelter Attendant

Provides daily care for animals housed at the shelter including feeding, cleaning , monitoring health and behavior, supporting medical protocols, assisting with adoptions and public interactions, and providing daily enrichment. This role ensures animals are safely managed, healthy and prepared for adoption or transfer, while promoting humane treatment and complying with ACEA regulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Feed and monitor animal health: Provide proper food, water, and medication following veterinary direction.
• Clean and sanitize shelter areas: Disinfect cages, play areas, and facilities to maintain hygiene and disease prevention.
• Perform daily animal enrichment activities: Engage animals in exercise, play, and socialization to enhance adoptability.
• Assist in medical procedures: Restrain animals, administer medication, and observe post-treatment recovery.
• Document and report animal conditions: Record daily health observations and report abnormalities to supervisors a nd Veterinary Technician.
• Support adoptions and intake: Assists adoptions, redemptions, and animal intakes using shelter software.
• Maintain equipment and supply inventory: Stock cleaning and feeding supplies; report shortages or maintenance needs; pick up supplies as needed using a county vehicle.
• Ensure safety protocols: Handle aggressive or frightened animals using approved safety techniques.
• Provide public assistance: Answer questions and provide education on animal care and adoption processes.
• Collaborate with veterinary and rescue staff: Coordinate with vet technicians, ACOs, and rescue coordinators on animal health needs.

The individual in this role is expected to contribute to the team's efforts by completing other related tasks, as may be assigned.

Position Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• No related experience required.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Missouri Driver's License.
• Certification by a state professional animal care and control organization such as the Missouri Animal Control Association or the National Animal Control Association or equivalent organization as an Animal Control Officer preferred but not required.
• Specialty certifications for such tasks as chemical capture, medical intake evaluations, temperament testing, behavior assessment, socialization/enrichment program management, behavior modification training, etc. preferred but not required.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to control, lift and carry large animals; and
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays and after-hours on a rotational basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of county ordinances pertaining to animal control and animal welfare; the criminal justice system; and basic computer operations.
• Skill in the operation and care of assigned equipment.
• Knowledge of the Animal Care Facilities Act and practices pertaining to animal control and animal welfare; the criminal justice system; and basic computer operations.
• Ability to recognize environmental and public safety hazards; and prepare clear, concise reports; analyze and determine practices or actions that address problems.
• Ability to enforce Animal Care Facilities Act and division policies in a professional manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium and requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. The work also requires mental and visual acuity, speaking, balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling; picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand; grasping; picking, holding or otherwise working with the whole hand; hearing, kneeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, standing, stooping, talking, and walking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed in all buildings and animal housing areas of the Animal Control Center, in County vehicles and in various field situations in unincorporated Jefferson County. The work may be performed in extreme noise, weather, and temperature ranges. This position will involve driving County vehicles with restricted visibility and working in the community were responding to requests for service. Individuals in this position will be exposed to a wide variety of personalities and attitudes; zoonotic diseases; and potential for injury from animals and humans.

Shift Rotating

Normal Entry Salary $16.54

Salary Range

EOE Statement Jefferson County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected veteran or uniformed servicemember status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

This position is currently accepting applications.