Animal Care Specialist

Animal Care SpecialistDo you have animal handling and kennel experience? If so, we have Animal Care Specialist opportunities at the Snow Drive Adoption facility! We offer competitive pay, pet care discounts and more!The Greater Birmingham Humane Society ("the GBHS") is a progressive animal welfare shelter whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome homeless, abused, neglected and abandoned animals. We are committed to an open admissions policy, animal rehabilitation and a low euthanasia rate. GBHS' open intake and adoption philosophy is a key part of our progressive mission, enabling us to save and rehome thousands of animals each year.The Animal Care Specialist will be responsible for providing and ensuring proper care to dogs, cats, and other animals at the shelter.Primary RelationshipsReports to the Snow Drive facility management team and serves as a member of the animal care team.Interacts daily with adoption counselors, medical staff, animal care staff, foster coordinator, transport coordinator, volunteers, the general public, and potential adopters.Duties & ResponsibilitiesPerforms cleaning details as directed by immediate supervisor and animal welfare standardsResponsible for feeding, cleaning, and the treatment of animals including but not limited to walking, bathing, exercise, and behavior.Assists with the loading and unloading of animals with the transport driverAssists in cleaning, sanitizing, and storing of crates and equipmentWorks compassionately with injured and mistreated animalsEnsures the comfort and cleanliness of all animals on the adoption floorEnsures animal areas are clean and orderly and stocked with food, litter, newspaper and other essential itemsUnderstands basic animal infectious disease and willingness to prevent contagious spreadDocuments behavior observations as needed and report them to managerDocuments medical observations to clinic staff immediatelyResponsible for maintaining up to date identification cards and neck bands for all animalsAssists in maintaining overall facility cleaning standardsAssists with laundry tasks and general cleaning maintenance on a daily basisAssists in enrichment and behavior as directed and show compassionate when working with all animalsWorks collaboratively and communicates effectively with other members of the adoption team, as well as with other staffAttends staff meetings and provide constructive feedbackMaintains personal appearance and uniform so as to appear professional at all timesWorks closely with GBHS Volunteers in conjunction with the GBHS missionObserves and follow strict nutrition and medical guidelines per veterinarian as directedProvides basic customer assistance and relations when neededProvides general information to visiting patrons. For ex. Donors, school tours, general publicPerforms such other duties as required by ManagerFollows all GBHS policies and protocolsPerforms other duties as assignedQualificationsA passion for the mission of GBHS and a sense of humor are requiredHigh school diploma or GED equivalentMust have reliable transportation to and from work, punctual attendance is requiredExperience working with animals in veterinary, boarding, or a shelter environment preferredKnowledge of animal handling and communication preferredWorking weekends may be requiredExcellent interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to work well in a team environment including a positive attitude and ability to get along with othersEducation RequirementsMinimum of high school education or GED equivalent; customer service experience and a basic understanding of animal welfare; intermediate computer skills; meets minimum general requirements for GBHS employment as set forth in GBHS employee handbook.Physical RequirementsAbility to perform physical work involving standing for long periods, carrying animal crates, bending, scrubbing, mopping, walking quickly, reaching, squatting and other such assigned duties with ease and in a timely fashion. Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds or up to 75lbs with reasonable accommodation; ability to work weekends and evenings as necessary; meets minimum general requirements for GBHS employment as set forth in GBHS employee handbook.Work EnvironmentThis work is performed in a high noise level area. Exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, zoonotic (human to animal) diseases, bites and scratches. Weekend shifts may be required. Safety procedures must be adhered to at all times. Must be able to work with and around animals of all types (cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, etc.). Exposure to conditions such as animal feces, urine, etc. and foul odors. May be exposed to animal dander, parasites and infectious diseases than can be carried and transmitted by animals. Must be able to work in an environment that provides humane euthanasia to animals.The GBHS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of GBHS to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.Must be available to work from 8:00am-2:00pm. Reliable transportation to and from work is required.