Animal Care Advocate

Animal Care AdvocateThis full-time, hourly position will provide all animals in Great Plains SPCA care with conscientious, compassionate care, meeting our animals’ physical and behavioral needs.Key Responsibilities:Handle cats and/or dogs and occasional other animals of all sizes, ages, temperaments and needs safely and appropriatelyAbility to routinely handle of animals marked with an “orange dot,” indicating those requiring elevated caution, specialized handling techniques, or additional behavioral awareness.Follow and maintain excellent knowledge of organization cleaning, sanitation, and disease prevention protocols in order to provide a safe, clean environment for allProvide all animals with appropriate housing, food, water, bedding, toys and other mental stimulation and enrichment, social interaction with humans and, where appropriate, members of own speciesMaintain excellent knowledge of all shelter standard medical procedures, vaccines, preventatives, and common diseases and their symptoms, transmission, preventionMonitor health of animals and rapidly identify any health issues and report to Veterinary Staff or supervisorMonitor behavioral health of animals and rapidly identify any issues that may require special action and report to supervisorUse shelter database and employee communication systems to keep accurate animal inventory, write animal behavior and other memos, submit medical exam requests, place holds on animals, and keep abreast of all staff communicationWork with staff and volunteers to get to know, provide for, transition, and promote adoptable animalsEnsure all animals are clearly and consistently marked with accurate, up-to-date, easy to read informationWork with and supervise volunteers and community service workers appropriately to provide animals and humans with a safe, clean, organized, and pleasant experienceAssist veterinary staff by properly administering or restraining for vaccinations, microchips, blood draws, medications, and restraining for examsProvide basic grooming services to shelter animals as neededOther duties as neededKey Capabilities:Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skillsMaturity, good judgment and professionalismAbility to work individually and on a team, multi-task and self-startAbility to remain calm and empathetic in stressful situationsCompassion and empathy for animal and humansExperience Requirements:High school or GEDPrefer familiarity with animalsPrefer familiarity with computer functions and programs such as Internet and web-based programs, Microsoft OfficeAdditional Requirements:Possess a valid driver’s licenseWork Conditions:Must be able to work weekends and some holidays.Must be comfortable working with dogs and cats of all ages and temperamentsFrequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reachingHandle and restrain animals weighing up to 100 lbs.Lift 50 lbs. to waist heightAt Will Employment:There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause.Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.GPSPCA is an engaging, mission-driven workplace where our team and the animals we serve come first. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:Health, dental, and vision insuranceGenerous PTO, Days of Significance, and 9 paid holidays100% employer-covered mental health supportDisability and life insurance403(b) retirement planDiscounts on veterinary care, retail store items, and GPSPCA event tickets