Kennel Technician

SALARY: $18.39 – $27.06, Hourly (DOE&Q) NON-EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 09/22/2026
CLOSING DATE: 09/29/2026 by 5:00 P.M.

JOB SUMMARY
To provide customary care and maintenance to animals that are impounded at the Animal Shelter and to keep the facility clean and organized.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level position in the Animal Control Division. Personnel assigned to this position have a basic knowledge of the various duties and responsibilities at the Animal Shelter. Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being  performed by employees assigned to this job title.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives immediate supervision from Animal Control Supervisor and upper-level staff.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES – E ssential and other important responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

Be passionate about working with animals.

Be responsible for the maintenance of the Animal Shelter facility.

Feed, clean, care for and dispose of animals.

Clean out animal stalls, sweep, clean windows and walls and empty garbage receptacles.

Stock supplies and report necessary reorders to supervisor.

Assist Animal Control Officers in loading and unloading vehicles.

Photograph animals for impoundment cards.

Relocate dogs and cats throughout the kennel area.

Clean and sanitize animal bowls, containers and bedding.

Assist the public by taking animals out for adoptions and redemptions.

Document animal statuses in the quarantine area.

Report to supervisor any animal health and shelter maintenance concerns.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of :
Materials, practices and methods used in cleaning operations.

Safety procedures used in working with animals.

Methods and procedures used in caring for animals.

Basic computer programs and digital camera use.

Ability to :
Work with and around often vicious, sick or injured animals.

Use cleaning equipment safely and efficiently.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Follow policies and standard operating procedures.

Follow directions and be able to learn and use new skills.

Answer a multi-line telephone in a professional and courteous manner.

Be exposed to strong odors and various animal diseases.

Be comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes and breeds.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• making observations
• reading and writing
• operating assigned equipment and vehicles
• communicating with others.

Maintain mental capacity, which allows the capability of:

• making sound decisions
• demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:

• walking, standing, climbing, crawling, bending, twisting, sitting, driving and squatting for extended periods of time
• maneuvering, lifting and transporting wild live and deceased animals up to 100 pounds
• operating assigned equipment.

Effectively deal with personal danger, which may include exposure to:

• contagious and deadly diseases
• dangerous animals
• hazards associated with working in and near traffic
• various weather conditions.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINDLING GUIDELINES : Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying:

Experience :
Minimum of six (6) months working with animals preferred.

Janitorial or custodial experience preferred.

Training :
Must have completed the twelfth grade and possess a high school diploma or have a GED.

License or Certificate :
Possession of a valid Class C Driver’s License with a good driving record.

Kennel Technician – Animal Control - Posting #26-084.

CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer