Animal Care Worker, Austin Animal Services, (Animal Care Division)

Animal Care WorkerThe Animal Care Worker is responsible for the basic feeding and cleaning up of the animals at the Austin Animal Center. This includes dogs, cats, reptiles, livestock and more. This position reports to the Animal Services Supervisor, and the leads on duty who guide/mentor/assist with any questions concerning day-to-day operations. This is a physically demanding position that works in the elements, including summer heat and winter cold, and will be on their feet for upwards of 9 hours a day.Job DescriptionPurpose:This position performs all aspects of human animal care duties to ensure animal safety and well-being and provides quality customer service by providing the public with assistance and accurate information regarding Animal Services' policies, programs, and procedures.Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.Cleans, disinfects and maintains shelter areas as assigned.Feeds, waters, bathes, dips and exercises animals. Provides humane sheltering services in compliance with State minimum standards and shelter policies.Safely and humanely handles animals, of unknown health and temperament.Assists in monitoring the medical/behavioral status of animals and performs related health care activities.Contributes to the programs and services that support the shelter's live outcome goal.Loads dead animals onto trucks.Ensures the safety of animals and people in the shelter.Accurately maintains all required records in the shelter's database.Provides information to the public.Assists in unloading trucks, stocking shelter areas and storing materials. Assists in preparation, transport and documentation of specimens for rabies testing.Maintains facility and grounds in a clean, neat and organized manner.Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:None.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques and principles.Knowledge of animal services and related programsSkill in safely handling animals, including those with unknown temperament.Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.Ability to adhere to disease management and safety protocols.Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.Minimum Qualifications:Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus six (6) months of work experience.Licenses and Certifications Required:None.Notes to CandidateThe Animal Care Worker is responsible for the basic feeding and cleaning up of the animals at the Austin Animal Center. This includes dogs, cats, reptiles, livestock and more. This position reports to the Animal Services Supervisor, and the leads on duty who guide/mentor/assist with any questions concerning day-to-day operations. This is a physically demanding position that works in the elements, including summer heat and winter cold, and will be on their feet for upwards of 9 hours a day.PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:Demonstrated experience working in a high stress shelter or rescue environment, and the ability to prioritize daily tasks with competing priorities.Demonstrated experience providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers in a professional work setting, and the ability to de-escalate conflicts in a professional manner.Demonstrated attention to detail relating to cleaning, disinfecting, and reporting changes in dogs' behavior and/or medical concerns in a professional work setting.Demonstrated experience in an animal-related field, including animal husbandry, health, and basic care.Demonstrated experience with 50+ lb. dogs with behavioral issues, in a professional work setting, including the ability to lift 50+ lb. dogs.