Animal Care Technician

Position Summary

To perform general custodian and cleaning and care of the animals in the Animal Shelter. Work varying schedule on weekdays, weekends and holidays and other times when it is felt necessary.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

• Cares for all animals housed at the shelter, ensuring food and water is provided and that prescribed medications are administered.
• Cleans and disinfects all areas of animal shelter including kennels
• Accepts animals delivered to the shelter.
• Prepares records, assigns kennels, administers intake shots and attaches proper identification to the kennel and records
• Observe and record behavior of animals in quarantine or recovery
• May be tasked with procuring urine or fecal samples
• Dust, sweep, mop floors.
• Clean and maintain lavatories.
• Wash windows, walls and woodwork.
• Perform minor maintenance tasks such as: change lights, tighten screws, and paint.
• Clean doors, desk tops and other surfaces.
• Operate vacuum cleaners, polishers and other equipment and tools.
• Gather and dispose of refuse.
• Sweep and shovel walks to keep free of debris, ice and snow.
• Perform light grounds maintenance work.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received:

Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of the Animal Control or designee.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Shelter employees to include the Trustees assigned to the shelter.

Experience, Skills, Education:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalent.
• This is an entry level position.
• Ability to assist with handling or be present during euthanasia preferred.
• Special interest in animals and understanding of their proper treatment required.
• Willingness to develop and understanding of animal care through formal training or otherwise as provided.
• Beginning knowledge of animal diseases and ability to recognize symptoms of illness preferred.
• Skill in checking and handling animals without personal injury.
• Good moral character and good physical condition.
• Knowledge of the methods, materials and equipment used in custodial work.
• Knowledge of accepted cleaning methods and materials and of the care of cleaning equipment.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

Essential Abilities For All St. Clair County Job Classifications:

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook as required. Proficiency may be tested.

Conditions Of Employment:

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
• Possess a valid State of Michigan Operator's License and maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's vehicle policy throughout employment in this position.
• The qualified candidate must pass LEIN background check to qualify for and retain position.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions:

• An employee in this class performs physical work requiring lifting of object weighing more than fifty (50) pounds.
• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Frequently sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel.
• Frequently reach with hands and arms.
• Stand and walk for significant periods of time on varying terrains.
• Climb stairs.
• See details in color, at close range and at a distance.
• Lift, move, push, pull or carry objects and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Good physical condition which will mean the fitness to be able to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• May be exposed to working in close quarters, fumes or airborne particles, infectious diseases, criminal suspects.
• The employee works in areas where universal precautions are required and is frequently exposed to risk from bodily fluids.

Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.