Shelter Attendant ? Part Time

Jefferson County, Mo Local Government; Hillsboro (MO); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Jefferson County, Mo Local Government operates the animal shelter and is seeking a Shelter Attendant to provide daily care and support for animals. The role involves feeding, cleaning, monitoring health, assisting with adoptions, and ensuring humane treatment in compliance with regulations.

Training and equipment use are part of the job. Candidates should be able to lift up to 50 pounds, work days/evenings/weekends, and learn shelter software.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required.
• No prior work experience required.
• Must be able to lift and carry large animals.
• Knowledge of animal care and behavior preferred.

Responsibilities

• Feed and monitor animal health, provide food, water, and medication per veterinary direction.
• Clean and sanitize shelter areas to maintain hygiene and prevent disease.
• Provide daily enrichment and socialization to enhance adoptability.
• Assist in medical procedures and observe post-treatment recovery.
• Document daily health observations and report abnormalities to supervisors.

Skills

Animal handling

Public interaction

Observation skills

Documentation

Education

HS diploma or GED

Tools

Shelter software

Vehicle operation

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

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 and 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 Shelter Attendant - Animal Control Division

Position Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE – The following are the minimum education and experience required for the position. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Education

• HS diploma or GED

Experience

No previous relevant work experience is required.

Special Experience

• Must be able to control, lift and carry large animals.

Training Requisites

Certifications

• 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 preferred but not required.

Licensing

• Must possess a valid State Driver's license.

SUCCESS FRAMEWORK

• Knowledge of animal behavior and basic health indicators.
• Knowledge of cleaning and sanitation standards for animal care.
• Ability to safely handle animals of varying temperaments.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting and restraint.
• Knowledge of disease prevention and containment protocols.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and staff.
• Ability to follow instructions and document observations.
• Abilitiy to learn animal shelter software systems.
• Ability to provide compassionate customer service.
• Knowledge of first aid for animals.
• Ability to prioritize workload and adapt to emergencies.
• Skilled in cleaning, feeding, and medicating animals safely.
• Knowledge of animal enrichment methods.
• Ability to work effectively under supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding adoption and rescue records.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

Computer (Microsoft 365), Shelter Software, phone, copy machine, microchip scanner, dog tag machine, camera, leashes, harnesses, catch poles, animal nets, traps, muzzles, 2-way radios, snappy snares, tongs, clam-shell nets, animal transport vehicles, pressure washer, blower, chainsaw, hedger, animal scale, and clippers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to work days, evenings and weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
• Must be able to work days, evenings and weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
• Must be able to work days, evenings and weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
• Must be able to work days, evenings and weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
• Due to routine exposure to animals, employees must have or obtain pre-exposure vaccination for Rabies and adhere to ongoing monitoring or booster recommendations as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• May be required to work in high or dangerous places.
• May regularly be exposed to uncomfortable temperatures, humidity, noise, chemical/gases, contagious diseases, airborne particles/pathogens, and/or physical injuries associated with animal handling.
• May be required to work in confined spaces.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Work requires the ability to sit, stand, walk for extended periods of time.
• Work requires the ability to complete repetitive wrist, hand, and/or fine motor movement.
• Work requires the ability to grasp, pull, push, and reach.
• Work requires the ability to talk, hear, listen, and comprehend.
• Work requires the ability to drive and/or operate county vehicle.
• Work requires the ability to climb and balance.
• Work requires visual acuity of 20 feet or more, visual acuity of 20 inches or less, three dimensional vision, precise hand/eye coordination, the ability to identify and distinguish colors
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work requires the ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.

Shift Rotating

Normal Entry Salary $16.54 per hour

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.