Animal Care Specialist

Animal Care SpecialistReporting directly to the Animal Care Supervisor, responsible for providing care to animals within the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, by providing a positive quality of life to the animals, customer service to potential adopters, and always maintaining a clean and safe shelter. Level I of II in Animal Care Specialist.Examples Of Work PerformedConducts daily cleaning and disinfection of kennel area, and other shelter areas, to include laundry, washing animal dishware, and other custodial tasksSupplies food, water, toys, clean bedding, socialization time, and routine enrichment careOffers assistance to potential adopters with the animals, answering questions, transporting animals to and from kennel areas, and assessing likelihood of matches for adoptionsPerforms customer service duties related to the intake and processing of animals for impoundment, adoption and redemptionAdministers routine well-being checks of all animals, documenting any concerns and communicating to Operations Manager for follow-upAssists medical staff with medical workups and vaccinations of animalsSocializes fractious animals to help them become adoptable, and assist with behavior modification plans as written by the Animal Behavior CoordinatorRestocks cleaning and animal care supplies throughout the facility as neededUtilizes shelter software to record and communicate information about animals, including up-to-date medical and behavior historiesHelps identify animals that are candidates for outside rescue organizations or foster careTransports animals to other facilities, as neededProvides supervision and training to volunteer staff and community service workers, by overseeing daily work tasks, offering guidance as neededFollows all safety measures and policies, including proper animal restraints and reading animal behavioral cues, and promptly reports any safety incidents to leadershipPerforms special duties as assignedOrganization RelationshipsReports directly to – Animal Care SupervisorDirect Reports – NoPhysical DemandsPosition involves prolonged standing, walking, twisting, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and other fine motor repetitive motionsPosition requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine motor coordinationPosition involves lifting and carrying of animals and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, or up to one hundred (100) pounds with assistance, and exertion of up to twenty-five (25) pounds of force to move objectsAbility to hear and/or see alert cues regarding animal and staff securityEnvironmental FactorsWork tasks are conducted indoors and outdoorsMay work outside in inclement weather, including extreme heat, cold and wet conditionsFrequent handling of animals, including contact with waste and bloodExposure to unpleasant smells and a noisy and wet environment associated with a shelterFrequent exposure animals that are agitated or injured that may attempt to bite or scratchIrregular HoursFlexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is a schedule requirementMay be deemed essential personnel for emergency situations, at discretion of DirectorMinimum QualificationsHigh school diploma/degree and six (6) months of experience working with animals in an animal hospital, shelter, or related animal facility; OR an equivalent combination of education and experienceDemonstrated customer service and communication skillsLicenses And CertificationsValid driver's licensePreferred QualificationsTwo (2) years of experience working with animals in an animal hospital, shelter, or related animal facilityOne (1) year of animal welfare experienceKnowledge of dog and cat body language cuesEuthanasia certificationBasic Animal Control certificationEmployment TestingCriminal background check: YesMotor Vehicle Record check: YesDrug screening: YesPhysical exam: NoPsychological exam: NoAdditional: N/ASupplemental InformationA Williamson County online application (resumes alone are not sufficient) must be received before the position is closed. Positions are open until filled, subject to close at any time after five (5) business days. The Human Resources Department is located at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626. Phone View phone number on click.appcast.io or visit our website at . Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department. Tobacco Free Workplace Policy Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco and non-tobacco products such as vapor, e-cigarettes and the use of chewing tobacco or like products is prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.