Animal Welfare Associate

Shelter Animal Caretaker

Responsible for the general care of shelter animals. This includes feeding, watering, cleaning, moving, providing enrichment/socialization, and observing/reporting animals' physical and mental well-being in accordance with the Association of Shelter Veterinarian Standards of Care guidelines. Responsible for providing guidelines to all animals in shelter care in a timely manner; including appropriate feeding, cleanliness and sanitation, behavioral well-being, and stress reduction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works efficiently to assist in enhancing and maintaining a culture of health and overall wellness for the animals in our care across the organization.
• Documents any observed abnormalities (either medical or behavioral) into the Organization's animal database.
• Prepares, provides, and ensures proper food and water is available to all assigned animals at all appropriate times.
• Follows organizational protocols and procedures to ensure assigned kennels and animal housing areas are properly cleaned and disinfected.
• May assist with administering/passing out oral behavior medications under the guidance of the Shelter Veterinary Team.
• Ensures that all kennels are equipped and set up appropriately to maximize comfort and minimize the stress of all animals in the shelter environment.
• Reviews all kennel and facility signage to ensure proper protocol is always followed and reports to management if updates to signage are needed.
• Cleans, disinfects, and stores all supplies and equipment properly and in a timely manner.
• Preserves a clean, organized, and orderly appearance of assigned and common areas/vehicles at all times while maintaining them well stocked with needed supplies and equipment.
• Sorts, moves, and stocks food, supplies, materials, and donations, as needed.
• Moves animals through and within the shelter as needed and assists with transporting and/or general care needs of animals offsite, including at events, when necessary.
• Assists to achieve a high volume of animal participation in enrichment activities.
• Maintains up-to-date and accurate animal inventory.
• Actively creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for volunteers, including participating in the volunteer training process and working collaboratively with volunteers to ensure they receive the support/resources needed to feel prepared and empowered in their roles and to maximize volunteer effectiveness.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Organization's service to its guests by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team.
• Provides responsive, meaningful and compassionate service to all guests.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Equivalent to a High School diploma

License & Certification Requirements:

• Incumbents may hold a valid driver's license for a minimum of three (3) years and maintain an acceptable driving history.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of:

• General knowledge of companion animal care, welfare, behavior, breeds, and species.
• Principles and practices of guest service.
• Effective soft skills or interpersonal skills for dealing with Team Members, volunteers, and the public, in person, in writing, and over the telephone.
• Correct conversational English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• General computer skills.

Skill in:

• Demonstrating concern for the welfare of people and animals and treating all of them with respect.
• Interpersonal sensitivity and cultural competency/awareness for working with diverse populations while providing non-judgmental and compassionate guest services.
• Dealing tactfully and effectively with Team Members, volunteers, and the general public.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.
• Working efficiently without close supervision in standard work situations.
• Adhering to all established guidelines, protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
• Gathering, compiling, and maintaining accurate information and records; preparing accurate reports and summaries.
• Basic mathematics to count and total numbers.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Physical ability, stamina, and mobility to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, and crawl, in some cases for an extended period of time. Strength to lift and/or move materials, weighing up to 50 pounds frequently, and 75 pounds occasionally. Vision to read printed materials. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Job incumbent is continuously exposed to animals, animal waste, pet dander, peanut butter, potentially harmful cleaning chemicals, high noise, and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites and regular work outdoors for extended periods of time while exposed to cold, rain, and extremely hot temperatures.

All Team Members work in a culture of continuous improvement and are expected to support our mission. Team Members must be able to clearly articulate our goals, actively participate in outstanding guest service, and accept responsibility for maintaining our culture of philanthropy.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected of this position. This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive listing or description of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of incumbents in the job.