KENNEL TECHNICIAN

Animal Care Specialist

The purpose of this position is to provide routine care for animals in the shelter and provide customer service and administrative tasks in support of Department operations.

Examples of Duties

Cares for shelter animals; feeds, trains and exercises animals; administers vaccines and medications and draws blood as needed; grooms pets by bathing, trimming nails and treating for fleas; washes bedding and toys; checks for/reads microchips on animals; and performs temperament tests for appropriate adoption matches.

Performs a variety of duties to maintain animal control shelter; mixes cleaners to disinfect dog runs, cat cages, and small animal cages; scrubs equipment; cleans the yard; cleans floors, treatment rooms, and reception area; removes trash and processes recycling; and performs other maintenance duties as assigned.

Performs intake of unwanted animals being surrendered by their owner and intake of animals that have been lost, hurt, abandoned, or caught in traps; checks for microchip; assesses animal health; administers vaccinations and de-wormer; records animal's vital statistics; obtains photo of animal; prepares identification cards for cages; and assists with intake of wildlife and rabies vectors.

Assists with routine medical care of shelter animals; administers medications and routine first aid; restrains animals; obtains blood, stool, and swab samples for medical testing; assists with dental extractions, induction of anesthesia, implantation of microchips, or other duties as assigned; conducts fecal analysis to determine presence of parasites; prepares medical records; and administers euthanasia medications, as directed and in compliance with established rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Assists with animal adoptions; supervises introduction of potential adoptions; answers questions and provides information on responsible pet ownership; enters adoption records and monies into the assigned computer system; and processes adoption fees according to established procedure.

Provides clerical support; prepares and/or processes a variety of documentation such as adoption contracts, vaccine forms, microchip forms, and animal cage cards; enters animal records into computer database; documents animal health and care information; and enters information into euthanasia log.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures; receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Communicates with supervisor, other County employees, the public, community groups, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Requires a High School diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of related experience caring for animals, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess and maintain a Euthanasia certification.

Special Requirements:

None.

Knowledge, Skill, Abilities / Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of local government operations, Animal Control related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.

Skill in the use of equipment related to the essential functions of the job.

Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.

Ability to get along with others and work effectively with the public and co-workers.

Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.

Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.

Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.

Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes.

Ability to operate a copying machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is heavy work which requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and may require standing for extended periods of time. Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, heights, confined spaces, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, disease, or rude/irate customers. The noise level in the work environment may be at times moderate to loud.

Henry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described in this job description. Henry County encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Henry County will comply with all applicable federal regulations and Henry County's insurance requirements governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs. Henry County employees shall be subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.