Animal Care Technician Team Lead

Job Summary:

At IndyHumane, an Animal Care Technician Lead is a hands-on operational leader responsible for maintaining the standards of animal care, cleanliness, workflow, and team accountability.

ACT Leads work directly alongside the team, help drive daily operations, coach staff in real time, and ensure animal care standards are consistently met.

We are seeking experienced animal care professionals who understand shelter or kennel operations, can lead by example, and are ready to help build a high-performing team culture.

Successful ACT Leads are:

• Experienced and technically skilled in animal care operations
• Confident leaders who hold themselves and others accountable 
• Highly observant with strong attention to detail
• Efficient and organized under pressure
• Comfortable coaching peers and addressing issues directly
• Committed to maintaining standards every day

Summary of Essential Job Functions:

• Leading daily workflow and task execution for Animal Care Technicians
• Working alongside staff while monitoring pace, quality, and protocol compliance
• Performing kennel and room walkthroughs to ensure cleanliness and disease prevention standards are met
• Coaching and correcting staff in real time when standards are not met
• Assigning duties and adjusting workflow based on census and operational demands
• Supporting training and development of newer team members
• Communicating observations/concerns regarding animal health, behavior, staffing, or facility needs
• Collaborating with leadership and other departments on special cases and operational priorities
• Assisting with direct animal care, cleaning, enrichment, feeding, and handling as needed
• Works closely and communicates frequently with the Animal Care Manager
• Works collaboratively with all departments regarding disease control, behavior, enrichment, and special placement
• Set assignments and duties for Animal Care Technician team
• Conducts rounds with Animal Care Manager to assess team, equipment, and level of cleanliness in each space
• Any other duties as assigned by management

Minimum Requirements:

• At least 2 years of professional animal care experience required
• Previous shelter, kennel, veterinary, boarding, or daycare leadership experience preferred
• Experience with humane animal handling 
• Demonstrated experience with humane animal handling
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Working knowledge of disease prevention and sanitation protocols
• Ability to problem-solve and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Must possess adequate oral communication, written communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to create a positive, professional work environment
• Possess working knowledge of chemicals and their applications and hazards and understand warning labels
• Detailed oriented
• 18 years of age or older
• Valid Indiana driver’s license

Abilities Required:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds 
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time 
• Must tolerate noise, odors, weather exposure, and emotionally challenging situations

Important Expectations

• This is active, hands-on labor for most of the day
• You will be held accountable to cleanliness, efficiency, and protocol standards
• All team members are expected to become proficient in all aspects of the role 

Disclaimer: 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.