Animal Caregiver

Nature Of Work ANIMAL SHELTER PERSONNEL ARE EMPLOYEES OF THE ANIMAL SERVICE CENTER OF THE MESILLA VALLEY (ASCMV) - NOT THE CITY OF LAS CRUCES. Provide compassionate and attentive care of the animals at all times, maintain a clean healthy environment for the animals and the public, and assist with animal adoptions. Environmental FactorsAnimal shelter environment; exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, wastes and infectious materials and surgical instruments; cleaning solvents and material; outdoor and or inclement weather conditions, may be exposed to hostile or abusive members of the public.Physical FactorsModerate to heavy lifting of fifty (50) pounds or more; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; operating various equipment. Work Situation Factors Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, weekends, nights, holidays and responding to customer issues. SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION SUBJECT TO DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING ACCORDING TO ANIMAL SERVICES CENTER OF THE MESILLA VALLEY (ASCMV) POLICY. Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.This position is graded a XN04Duties And ResponsibilitiesProviding a healthy, safe, clean and pleasant environment and facilities for the animal and the public; daily, thorough cleaning of all animal areas, including inside/outside runs, cart areas, floors, dishes, bedding, and stocking supplies and doing laundry; spot cleaning of animal and public areas throughout the day.Treating all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance; feeding the animals, including providing special diets as needed; monitoring the health of the animals on an ongoing basis and rapidly identifying any health problems or conditions (medical or behavioral) and immediately reporting it to the supervisor or veterinary technician; medicating animal as directed.Assisting in the vaccination, examination, performance of medical treatments, and, euthanasia; socializing and grooming the animals; assessing the temperament of the animals to facilitate finding the best possible placement for each individual animal; providing transportations for animals as needed, to and from vet appointments, for adoption events, to other shelters, or anywhere else needed.Respond promptly and courteously to questions and inquiries from customers; educate the public and rescue groups about City ordinances and regulations. Work with volunteers as assigned.Remove, or assist in the removal of deceased animals from public areas as needed; ensure safe humane handling of animals during procedure.Minimum QualificationsEquivalent to a high school diploma. Animal handling, animal shelter and/or labor experience desirable. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with ASCMV policy. Licenses/Certification(s) Valid driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with ASCMV policy.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesAvailability - ASCMV is open seven days a week and observe eleven (11) holidays a year. Availability and a willingness to work a flexible schedule are required.Compassion for animals, comfortable working in the shelter environment and willing to accommodate animals in the work place. Knowledge of : Principles and practices of humane animal handling, care, and treatment; a variety of animal species, breeds, and related behavioral and health characteristics; operational characteristics of kennel equipment and tools; modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers; occupational hazards and standard kennel safety practices; pertinent Federal, State, and local codes, laws, and regulations. Skills in : Correctly and humanely use and apply a variety of animal handling skills; operate animal control tools and equipment in a humane, safe and effective manner; operate office equipment including computers. Ability to : Assist in humanely restraining animals for various procedures; compassionately interact with animals in ways to minimize stress and enhance environment; respond to requests and inquiries from the public accurately, promptly and courteously; understand and follow oral and written instructions; work independently in the absence of supervision; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.