Animal Care Specialist

Shelter Animal CaretakerCares for the animals within the shelter; i.e. feeding, cleaning, monitoring behavior and health. Also includes maintenance of the shelter; i.e. cleaning, laundry. Also assist customers with adoptions and redeeming lost animals.Salary will be determined depending on qualifications of candidates who exceed the minimum requirements as outlined within the job description.Additional compensation based on licensure.Essential FunctionsCleans and disinfects the shelter areas, as directed. Maintains all cages and equipment in a good state of repair.Feeds animals and insures that water is available. Monitors quality and quantity of food and informs Animal Shelter Supervisor of any problems.Helps to vaccinate and worm animals. Monitors condition of animals and lets the Animal Services Technician know when an animal is injured or appears to be sick.Keeps all quarantined animals in designated areas, as instructed, and prevents public access to those animals impounded for biting.Assists in the euthanasia of animals.Cleans both the freezer and crematorium.Performs other related work as required. In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.Minimum QualificationsCompletion of high school/GED and six months experience. A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.Additional RequirementsKnowledge of techniques utilized in the safe handling of animals.Must be able to handle assisting in the euthanasia of sick and/or injured animals.Ability to deal with emotional and aggressive situations in a professional and courteous manner.Ability to handle all different types of animals.Must be available to work holidays, weekends, and during emergency response operations. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Drivers License. Must be inoculated against rabies prior to completion of probationary period.BenefitsCounty-paid benefits for employeesCompetitive Wages: Our compensation system includes competitive hiring salaries.Paid Time Off: New full-time employees accrue 20 days per year of Paid Time Off (16 days for 24-hour shift personnel). New part-time employees accrue 83 hours per year of Paid Time Off. Accrual rates increase with service time.Paid Holidays: We observe 12 paid holidays which includes an employee birthday holiday and a floating Work/Life Day.Bereavement Leave: Employees may receive up to one week paid leave per fiscal year for absence due to the death of an immediate family member.Florida Retirement System: All employees in regularly established positions are automatically covered from the first day of employment. Seminole County makes contribution on behalf of the employee and the employee is also required to make a 3% contribution.Employees Assistance Program: Our EAP provider can help employees and their families with issues such as personal/family matters, financial debt counseling, substance abuse, etc.Training and Development Program: The Employee Learning Center provides training opportunities for employees which promote performance, enhance employees' work life experiences, and support the organization.Employee Awards and Recognition: A program to reward outstanding performance and enhance service to the citizens of Seminole County.Wellness Center: Includes exercise equipment, resource library, and educational programs.Health Insurance: Health Insurance is effective the first of the month after completing 30 calendar days of employment. Seminole County offers a Point of Service (POS) plan. Dependent coverage is also available, the cost is split between the employee and employer. This benefit is not extended to part-time employees.Life Insurance: Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for employees, equal to one times annual salary. Not extended to part-time employees.Long-Term Disability: Provides 60% of salary after 6 months of disability. Not extended to part-time employees.Optional benefits (employee-paid) for full-time employees:Deferred Compensation Plan (457): Employees may choose to have pre-tax payroll deductions made for deposit into this savings plan up to an IRS-established maximum.Dental Insurance: A choice of 3 plans is available for employees and dependents at employee expense.Additional Life Insurance: At employee expense, additional life insurance up to five times annual salary; dependent coverage also available.Short-Term Disability Insurance: 60% of salary for the first six months of disability at employee expense.Cancer and Specified Disease: Pays a benefit directly to the employee if being treated for this disease.Flexible Spending Account: A pre-tax account for childcare and un-reimbursed medical expenses.Pre-Tax Payroll Deductions: Under Section 125 of the IRS Code, certain payroll deductions for insurance coverage may be taken out prior to income being taxed.