Animal Care Specialist

Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary (FFAS) 220 Grace Church Rd Salisbury, NC 28147 Two professional references are required. Please do not call. Position Summary We are hiring two Animal Care Specialists, one for our free-roaming cat rooms and one for the dog kennel. Our Animal Care Specialists are responsible for providing compassionate, attentive care to sanctuary animals while maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors. This position involves daily enclosure cleaning and sanitation, feeding, monitoring animal health and behavior, administering medications under established veterinary protocols, and assisting with general sanctuary operations as needed. Primary Responsibilities Animal Care and Welfare Provide daily care for sanctuary animals, including feeding, supplying fresh water, and accommodating special dietary needs. Thoroughly clean and sanitize all primary enclosures each day in accordance with North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) sanitation protocols. Spot-clean animal areas and public spaces throughout the day. Monitor the health and behavior of sanctuary residents and incoming animals. Promptly identify and report medical or behavioral concerns to management. Assess animal temperament and behavior under management guidance to help determine appropriate placement within the sanctuary. Administer medications as directed by a veterinarian and in accordance with NCDA&CS veterinary protocols. Assist with moving animals throughout the sanctuary. Humanely restrain animals for veterinary examinations, vaccinations, grooming, transportation, and other necessary procedures. Complete required animal enrichment documentation for animals in your care. Transport animals to veterinary appointments or grooming services as needed. Treat all animals humanely and compassionately, regardless of their circumstances or behavior. Cleaning and Facility Maintenance Maintain a clean, safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for animals and the public. Perform general janitorial duties, including laundry, dishes, window washing, sweeping, mopping, and cleaning public areas and sanctuary grounds. Restock supplies as needed. Follow established sanitation procedures and animal health and safety protocols. Customer Service and Teamwork Provide friendly, professional customer service when assisting visitors and members of the public. Communicate respectfully and effectively with staff, volunteers, management, community members, and rescue partners. Assist with training new staff and volunteers. Work collaboratively with team members while also demonstrating initiative and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Assist with special events and provide coverage in other areas of the sanctuary as needed. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Sanctuary Director or Lead Sanctuary Manager. Follow the organization's dress code and maintain a professional appearance. Comply with all applicable federal and state animal health laws and organizational policies. Qualifications Prior experience working with cats and/or dogs in an animal care setting is required. Must be at least 18 years old. Must possess a valid driver's license. Fear Free Shelter Certification HIGHLY preferred. Knowledge and Skills The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following: A genuine commitment to animal welfare and the mission of Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary. Knowledge of feline and canine behavior and common medical concerns. Experience or demonstrated ability in safely and humanely handling and restraining animals, including fearful, fractious, or potentially aggressive animals. Knowledge of cleaning and sanitation practices in an animal care environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally, respectfully, and tactfully with people from diverse backgrounds. A personable, patient, professional, and cooperative demeanor. The ability to manage multiple tasks, adapt to changing priorities, and work independently with minimal supervision. Comfort working with animals of unknown temperament, including animals experiencing medical or behavioral challenges. A willingness to work in an environment where animals are present throughout the day. Physical Requirements The physical demands listed below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds without assistance. Ability to remain on your feet for up to five hours per day. Ability to stoop, crouch, and crawl for short periods. Work Environment This position involves working indoors and outdoors, including work in the covered cat porch, outside play yards, and nature trails. Employees may encounter: Animals that are fearful, fractious, or potentially aggressive. Animal bites, scratches, waste, unpleasant odors, and noise. Animals with contagious diseases or other medical conditions. Medications and other controlled substances used in animal care. Employees must follow all applicable animal health and safety regulations, including NCDA&CS requirements, and established sanctuary protocols. Schedule and Compensation Pay: Starting at $14.00 per hour Hours: Shifts vary within the sanctuary's daily operating schedule of 8:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. 15-20 hours/week Must have weekend availability Position Type: 2 Part-time positions Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary operates 365 days a year. Candidates must have flexible availability, including weekends and holidays. About Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary, located in Salisbury, NC, is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that operates a no-kill sanctuary for homeless and rescued dogs and cats. Our mission is to rescue, spay and neuter homeless animals and provide them with the best medical care in a nurturing environment while working to find them forever homes. FFAS heals the whole animal, physically and emotionally, restoring its health and spirit. We work to engage and educate our local community about responsible pet ownership and the importance of animal rescues/welfare by participating in community events, engaging schools, and offering camps and volunteer opportunities, with the end result being the best placement and care for our animals. #J-18808-Ljbffr