Job Application

Why Work at Somerset Humane Society

Working at Somerset Humane Society means making a direct, meaningful impact on the lives of animals in our community every day. Our team is compassionate, dedicated, and supportive, and we take pride in providing high-quality care to animals in need while working together in a respectful, mission-driven environment. This position offers hands-on experience in animal care and welfare, opportunities to learn and grow, and the satisfaction of knowing your work helps animals heal, thrive, and find loving homes.

Animal Care Technician (Entry Level)

Position Purpose

The Animal Care Technician is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary shelter environment while providing daily care, feeding, enrichment, and observation of animals. This position also assists with basic medical care, vaccinations, and treatments as directed, and performs additional shelter and grounds duties as needed. The Animal Care Technician plays a vital role in supporting animal health, welfare, and adoption readiness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Perform daily cleaning, maintenance, and care of animals and kennel areas, including morning cleaning procedures for canines and felines and ongoing spot cleaning throughout the day.
Maintain animal housing areas and the adoption floor in a neat, clean, and orderly condition at all times.
Follow established protocols while maintaining assigned zones, including laundry, kitchen, and supply storage areas both inside and outside the main building.
Provide daily feeding and fresh water for all animals.
Provide daily exercise and enrichment for both dogs and cats.
Handle animals with a calm, compassionate, and patient approach at all times.
Observe animals for medical or behavioral concerns and promptly report, record, and monitor any issues identified.
Weigh, monitor, and document animal weights as required.
Bathe and groom animals as needed.
Assist with administering daily medications as directed.
Monitor and restock shelter supplies.
Drive the shelter van to and from veterinary appointments and other shelter-related errands as needed.
Perform outdoor and grounds maintenance duties as required, including raking, mowing, and snow removal, in all weather conditions.
Work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment with a positive, cooperative attitude.
Fill in for other areas and perform additional duties as assigned.
Assist with training and working alongside volunteers and community service workers.
Provide excellent customer service and maintain friendly, helpful interactions with the public, consistently projecting a positive image of Somerset Humane Society.
Understand and adhere to all shelter standard operating procedures, including adoption policies and procedures.
Follow directives from the Shelter Manager and Team Leaders and perform all duties responsibly.
Maintain punctuality for scheduled shifts and a neat, well-groomed appearance.
Work efficiently with attention to detail while demonstrating initiative, motivation, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

Qualifications

Prior experience working with animals or in animal welfare is preferred; however, Somerset Humane Society is willing to train motivated individuals with no prior experience.
Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and split shifts as scheduled.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
Ability to perform fast-paced, physically demanding work.
Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds, kneel, bend, and stand for extended periods.
Ability to learn new tasks quickly, follow instructions thoroughly, and pay close attention to detail.
Demonstrate strong time-management skills and the ability to work efficiently.
Willingness to learn humane animal handling techniques using patience and kindness.
Ability to read, write legibly, and understand the English language.
Comfortable working with animals of unknown temperament, including those that may be frightened, fractious, ill, injured, or behaviorally challenged.
Ability to adapt to a fast-changing environment with a high volume 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*