Canine Handler

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Canine Handler works directly with the Canine Behavior & Care Manager, volunteers, and other Shelter staff and stakeholders to observe, move, exercise, and generally help enhance the wellbeing of all dogs within the shelter, with the goal of placing each animal in a supportive home environment. The Canine Handler will promote a friendly and professional environment where emphasis is placed on quality care, safety, education, compassion and efficient and collaborative teamwork.  All responsibilities are to be carried out in accordance with The Palm Springs Animal Shelter standards, policies, and procedures.       

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work cooperatively with other staff and volunteers as a team to ensure that all dogs receive proper care, and strive to improve the quality of life for our resident animals.
• Exhibit a humane and caring attitude at all times towards the animals in our care. 
• Use a humane and safe approach in all handling and restraint of animals, striving to maintain safety and security for the animals, staff, volunteers, and the public. 
• Carry and safeguard a shelter-issued communication radio at all times and remain in constant contact with Animal Care Attendants, medical, and other staff as needed.
• Provide careful, ongoing observation of animals throughout the shelter to see that the animals are safe, healthy, clean, and comfortable - promptly notify appropriate staff if any animal shows signs of stress, injury, or illness.
• Move animals to different housing areas of the shelter; or for medical checks, play groups, foster or in preparation for transport as directed.
• Ensures rotation of all qualifying dogs through daily Play Groups.
• Responsible for ensuring sufficient daily exercise and time outside of their enclosure for all sheltered dogs while helping to coordinate assistance from staff and volunteers.
• Communicate promptly and effectively with other shelter staff in order to assure consistency of dog handling based on changing needs and to provide updates on individual behavior concerns.
• Assist in maintaining adequate signage and documentation (on kennels, around the building and within electronic records) for the entire canine population.
• Works with shelter staff to implement enrichment and training protocols for individual dogs (on-site and off-site).
• Maintain a check-point system to assess behavioral well-being of the animal population.
• Use the shelter’s computer database program (PetPoint) to keep accurate computer records at all times including current location within the shelter.
• Communicate with Adoption Staff about dog behavior updates and adoption promotion opportunities unique to individual dogs.
• As requested, provide adoption counseling assistance to potential adopters for dogs specified as needing special adoption recommendations and/or support.
• Conduct dog-dog interactions with potential adopters, when requested.
• Teach/train designated shelter staff proper handling techniques in accordance with DPFL Programming.
• Required to take dogs outside when volunteers are not available or for dogs who are designated to be handled by “staff only”.
• Ensure canine enrichment areas (Play Group yards) are properly cleaned and maintained.
• Support organization in the development and implementation of any new protocols or programs designed to enhance the quality of life for the entire canine population.
• Required to participate in adoption and community outreach events when asked to do so.
• Report any maintenance issues to appropriate staff.
• Maintain security by ensuring animal housing areas and individual kennels are kept locked, ensure exterior doors and gates are locked when shelter is closed.
• Able to work a flexible schedule - including regular weekend shifts, evenings and holidays. 
• May be asked to use shelter vehicle to transport animals locally.
• May be asked to assist in training new staff and/or volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS – To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Graduate or G.E.D
• Minimum one (1) year caring for animals in an animal-care facility required.
• Working knowledge of guidelines and practices in an animal welfare/shelter environment is preferred. 
• Knowledge and experience in Dogs Play For Life (DPFL) programming is preferred

Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities

• Proven knowledge of the guidelines and practices in an animal welfare/shelter environment preferred. 
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, public speaking and customer service skills.
• Ability to use a PC and widely used software packages, e.g., spreadsheets (Excel), word processing (MS Word), Chameleon or Pet Point shelter software; ability to learn new software as necessary.
• Ability to meet deadlines; ability to set and accomplish work in order of priority; professionally maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure and changing conditions.
• Able to work a flexible schedule with regular weekend, evening shifts, and holidays as required.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have an insurable driving record.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• None

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

• Leadership – Maintain a positive, upbeat role, promote and exemplify Shelter values and represent departmental objectives and interests to internal and external customers.
• Customer Service – Follow up on complaints, questions, and concerns; respond to internal/external customer needs in a friendly, timely and efficient manner.
• Teamwork - Develop and promote teamwork and cooperation among all co-workers and management staff.
• Safety – Comply with established safe work practices and attend to all safety-related training provided or made available by the Shelter.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demand Summary: 

Must be able to do repetitive bending, kneeling, stooping and similar movements required, must be able to lift 50 pounds to waist, and to physically restrain dogs weighing up to and including 100 lbs. Must be able to carry up to 40 lbs unassisted. Exposure to outside elements - sun/heat, cold, wind: noise is a constant.