Animal Care Technician

Animal Shelter WorkerThis is animal shelter work responsible for the safe and humane handling of animals and providing basic care of animals and animal facilities in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care Department. An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for providing daily care, feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the health and well-being of animals, such as dogs, cats, pocket pets, and other animals in need. Work is performed under the direction of a higher – level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.Essential job functions include cleaning and disinfecting kennels, cages, pens, yards, and general grounds. Washes laundry and dishes. Feeds and waters animals according to schedules. Examines animals for signs of illness and treats them according to Veterinarian instructions. Transfers animals between quarters. Adjusts controls to regulate temperature and humidity of animal's quarters. Provides enrichment for the animals such as making treats, walking animals, and playtime and exercise with the animals. Comforts animals when needed. Assists the public with reclaims and adoptions. Interacts with the public including adoption counseling, foster requests, dog to dog interactions, playgroups and assist staff requests for processing. Performs intake of the animals including taking photos, providing core vaccines, flea treatment and dewormer. Updates animal records in computer system. Records information according to instructions such as gender, breed, diet, weight, location, behavior, medications, food intake, and identifiers. Reports signs of illness or unusual behavior in animals to supervisor. May restrain unclaimed and/or unwanted animals for humane euthanasia, including large-breed (50 pounds or greater) dogs.Knowledge of the care and handling of animals. Ability to treat animals and people with respect. Ability to recognize signs of stress or disease in animals. Ability to restrain and handle hostile or large animals. Ability to assist with humane euthanasia procedures. Ability to deal effectively with the public and co-workers in a professional manner, especially during emotional or stressful situations. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions. Skills with Pet Care and Animal Handling and Care.Physical demands include standing and walking, reaching with hands and arms, using hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. Talking or hearing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling. Lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds, frequently lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision.Work environment includes being frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals. Occasionally working in outside weather conditions and exposed to fumes or airborne particles. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases (e.g., ringworm). Subject to animal bites and scratches. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.