Animal Care Attendant

Job TitlePerforms general office clerical work in support of departmental operations. Provides general office support and customer service such as telephone and visitor receptionist, typing and data entry, animal adoptions, reclamations, transfers, and other general clerical tasks. Carries out daily assignments, follows through on matters, and uses independent judgment and training to take appropriate actions to deal with standard recurring situations.Essential Job FunctionsProcesses information by keying data into computer databases and other computerized record systems; codes and verifies data; updates, edits and corrects data files; produces computer printouts.Maintains manual and/or automated financial, accounting, personnel and other administrative and management files and records; ensures confidentiality of files and records and uses discretion in controlling access to and release of information.Produces a variety of typed or word-processed documents such as letters, email, adoption contracts, animal reclaims, reports, rescue statistics; proof and edits materials for accuracy of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format and makes corrections; ensures adherence to established style guides and formats.Communicates throughout the County and with external entities to arrange schedules, meetings and relay or obtain information; ensures though appropriate follow up, explanation and instructions that matters are properly acted upon.Receives and assists visitors to the office; queries visitors and directs them to appropriate staff or areas of the care center.Performs care center duties including taking reports from the public, checking lost and found for stray animals, completes animal intakes having an in-depth conversation about the animal, preparing adoption paperwork, reclaiming animals to their owners, issuing County licenses, engraves ID tags, and prepares paperwork to transfer animals to other organizations.Familiarizes self with animals available for adoption and assists the public and volunteers with appropriate adoption choices in a safe, courteous, and responsive manner.Serves as the Rescue Coordinator, familiar with the animals available to be transferred to a rescue; advises the rescue organizations of eligible candidates by email or telephone. Assists the rescue representative when making their selection at the shelter.Schedules the appointments for adopted animals at participating veterinarians.Operates multi-line telephone, receiving, screening, and referring telephone calls; queries callers and transfers or refers calls to appropriate staff or other offices.Updates and maintains internal and web based lost and found information/web sites.Prepares for and attends off-site adoption events; gets the animals fully vetted; prepares adoption paperwork and gathers all necessary items.Trains new employees on their successful operation of the Shelter Management System utilized by Charles County Animal Care Center.Performs other related job duties as assigned.Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesEducation and Experience: High school diploma or GED, including or supplemented by courses in office practices.Licenses or Certifications: May require a valid driver's license.Special Requirements/Qualifications: Work is subject to frequent interruptions.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Modern office procedures and practices including operation of office appliances such as calculators, computers, typewriters, and word processors.Basic identification of various animal speciesAbility to--Perform general office clerical work quickly and efficiently.Physical DemandsThe work is mostly sedentary with periods of light physical activity and is performed in office surroundings. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 50 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing.Work EnvironmentPrincipal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment.Department/Division: Department of Emergency Services/Animal Care CenterPay Grade: 104FLSA Status: Non-ExemptTelework Eligible: NoReports To: Animal Care ManagerSupervises: NoneBenefitsCharles County Government BENEFITS SUMMARYHealth Insurance Charles County Government PAYS 70% of cost: Blue Choice Advantage and HMO Open Access plans, including prescription and vision coverage. CareFirst and Delta for dental coverage. Flexible Spending Account Provides medical and dependent care options. Supplemental Income Products Accident Policy, Critical Illness Policy, and Hospital Indemnity Policy. Long Term Disability Insurance No charge to employee. The benefit pays 60% of salary at date of disability, up to $5,000/month. Life Insurance No charge to employees (valued at 1.5x the annual salary, not to exceed $250,000). Supplemental insurance and dependent life insurance are available for an additional cost. Term and whole life policies available. Pension Plan (Defined Benefit Retirement Plan) 401(a) Plan — Must work minimum 37.5 hrs/week. Participation is mandatory. Deferred Compensation Plan 457(b) Governmental Plan — Available to all employees, regardless of hours worked. Employee Leave • Charles County Government full-time employees earn annual, sick, and paid time off (PTO). • The County currently recognizes 20 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. • Away from work programs like paid parental leave and FMLA are available to employees. Transfer of Sick Leave New hires may be eligible to receive credit for up to 400 hours of sick leave from their previous employer when they begin employment. Work Schedules • Most work weeks are 37.5 hrs, and some positions may offer the opportunity for flexible work schedules or allow telework. Additional Fringe Benefits • Tuition Reimbursement for full-time employees upon completion of probation period • Discounted, Onsite Childcare at a County Government facility. • House Keys 4 Employee Program offers assistance to full-time employees who are first-time homebuyers. • Free, Employee Wellness Programs • Legal Resources (prepaid benefit) • Pet Insurance • Employee Assistance Program (free, short-term counseling) Benefits eligibility is for employees who work 30 hours or more per week unless otherwise noted. Effective: March 1, 2026