Animal Care Technician

Purpose: To perform all necessary work in maintaining the kennels and other areas of the shelter in a clean and sanitary condition, assist in the feeding, care, and bathing of the animals; and to assist in vaccinations and treatment of the animals as needed and do other work within the shelter and on the grounds as required. 

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  

  • Perform daily cleaning, maintenance, and care for animals, indoor and outdoor kennel areas, including the morning cleaning procedure for canines and felines, and subsequent spot cleaning throughout the remainder of the day.  
  • Maintain animal rooms and the adoption floor in a neat, clean, and orderly manner at all times.  
  • Follow protocol and maintain cleanliness and efficiency of additionally assigned zones, to include: laundry & kitchen area and all supply storage areas inside and outside of the main building.  
  • Work outside (as required) in all weather conditions performing ground duties as needed; raking, mowing, snow shoveling, etc.
  • Provide daily feeding and watering for animals.
  • Providing a calm and caring attitude towards and in the presence of animals.
  • Provide daily exercise and enrichment activities for both felines and canines.  
  • Monitor and stock supplies.  
  • Be attentive to medical and behavioral issues of animals and promptly report/record and monitor any concerns identified. 
  • Weigh, monitor, and document the weight of animals as needed. Bathe & groom animals as needed.
  • Assist with administering daily medications.
  • Drive the shelter van to and from veterinarian appointments and other errands as required.
  • Working in a team oriented environment and with a pleasant cooperative manner with fellow coworkers
  • Filling in for other areas and performing other functions as needed 
  • Train and work closely with volunteers and community service workers.  
  • Provide excellent customer service and exercise friendly, helpful interaction with the public, always projecting a positive attitude and image at Somerset Humane Society.  
  • Possess a clear understanding and adhere to standard operating procedures and the adoption policies and procedures of SHS.  
  • Be punctual for scheduled shifts, and maintain a neat, well groomed appearance.  
  • Must work efficiently, with attention to detail, and demonstrate initiative, motivation, creativity, and enthusiasm for the position and SHS. 
  •  Follow the directives of the Shelter Manager and Leaders on duty and perform duties responsibly.  

 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

  • Prior experience working with animals and animal welfare is preferred, but we are willing to train the right individuals who have no previous experience.  
  • Must have the ability to work weekends, holidays and split shifts as scheduled
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.  
  • Must be able to perform fast-paced, physically strenuous labor.  
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, kneel down, and be able to stand for long periods of time.
  • Be able to learn assigned tasks quickly, be detail-oriented, and be able to follow instructions entirely
  • Demonstrate time management and perform tasks thoroughly yet efficiently 
  • Learn how to control animals with patience and kindness
  • Ability to read, write legibly, and understand the English language
  • Be comfortable with and have the ability to work with animals of unknown disposition and those who may exhibit medical and other problems as well as fractious behaviors
  • Be able to adapt to a changing environment with a large capacity of animals

 

If this job interests you, please fill out the application below and submit.  Please be aware that we are not able to offer health insurance to employees currently.

*We keep applications on file for 30 days*

 

Job Application

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