Animal Shelter Specialist

Animal Care Specialist

The purpose of this classification, under the guidance of the Animal Shelter Specialist, is to perform manual and semi-skilled work involving the care for animals and maintain cleanliness and upkeep of the animal shelter in support of the County's animal shelter operations.

This position operates on a 4-10 hour day work week, with one of those days being Saturday or Sunday.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Maintains the welfare of the animals in the shelter: provides general care to animals by bathing, groom, exercising, treating for fleas/ticks as needed, etc.; observes all animals for signs of illness or injury and reports any changes to the Team Leader, Veterinary Technician, the Veterinarian or the Shelter Manager; provides fresh food daily to all animals housed at the facility and according to feeding schedule and dietary needs; and transports live animals as needed.

Provides unskilled assistance and manual labor support to veterinarian staff with the medical care of animals in the shelter: assists the Team Leader, Veterinarian and/or Veterinary Technician during examinations by securing and controlling animals.

Cleans and maintains the shelter: cleans and disinfects all animal areas and related equipment in accordance with the shelter's standard operating procedures; makes minor repairs to equipment and facility and reports any problems to the Team Leader, Veterinary Technician or Shelter Manager.

Assists with animal adoptions; supervises introduction of potential adoptions.

Interacts and communicates comfortably with various groups and individuals such as Team Leader, Veterinary Technician, Animal Shelter Manager and the general public; coordinates work activities with other team members to ensure smooth operation of the facility.

Operates vehicle, and a variety of equipment such as washer, dryer, computer, printer, scanner, laminator, fax machine, etc.; uses specialized tools such as squeegee, scrub brushes, microchip scanner, scooper, syringes, needles, catch pole, leashes, etc.; utilizes variety of supplies such as paper, stainless steel food pans, stainless steel buckets, cleaning chemicals, pet food, general office supplies, etc.

This classification is designed as a safety sensitive position which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol.

Performs other related duties as required.

High School Diploma or GED; previous experience working with animals in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, kennel or similar environment is preferred; or any combination of education and experience which provides the skills and abilities for this job. Required to possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.