The Animal Care Specialist provides care for all animals within the shelter, providing all physical needs and enrichment for daily living and quality of life.
The Animal Care Specialist reports to the Shelter Manager and is responsible for greeting all visitors, volunteers and community service workers when they arrive; answering questions regarding what types of animals are currently available at the shelter; direct patrons to the location of the type of animal they are looking for; answer any question regarding the known history of each animal, their temperament, and how they interact with other animals and children. When not attending to customers and visitors, the Animal Care Specialist is responsible for making sure all animal cages and kennels are clean; each animal is supplied with an enrichment activity to meet their needs; each animal has the proper food and water; and each animal’s physical hygiene is maintained. The Animal Care Specialist is also responsible for training, directing, retraining and redirecting and assisting Volunterriers whenever necessary.
Responsibilities
1. Care and husbandry of shelter animals, including but not limited to: cleaning cages and kennels; bathing and grooming; providing food, water, exercise, socialization and enrichment.
2. Cleaning and maintaining assigned area(s) of the shelter. Must meet acceptable standards of cleanliness determined by management.
3. Ensure all secondary duties are satisfactorily performed, including but not limited to: dishes; laundry; sweeping; mopping; dusting; sanitizing furniture and equipment; properly disposing of animal waste (indoors and outdoors).
4. Maintain a clean and orderly kennel area, including restocking forms, supplies and equipment as necessary.
5. Inspect donated items carefully and reinforce requirements tactfully.
6. Help load, unload and put away all donations.
8. Provide new Community Service workers and Volunteers with guided and informative tours and training so they may work independently.
9. Supervise Community Service workers. Make sure they are kept on task and following rules and guidelines.
10. Supervise volunteers. Make sure they are following rules and guidelines and have all the daily updated information necessary to perform their tasks as independently as possible.
11. Make sure all volunteers and community service workers are being utilized to the best of their ability to ensure safety and enjoyment to encourage them to return on a regular basis.
12. Assist prospective adopters and volunteers with general animal and shelter questions.
13. Direct and assist prospective adopters and volunteers with animal handling and visitation.
14. Process and keep records of assigned adoption applications and update animal cage cards accordingly.
15. Complete Adoption paperwork as needed.
16. Attend and assist with fundraising events and activities as needed on and off-site.
17. Exhibit positive working attitude by demonstrating respect for fellow workers, donors and customers.
18. All other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand, squat, bend and climb on a daily basis.
- Must be flexible and able to change assignment when circumstances require.
- Must possess tact and patience necessary to work with the public.
- Ability to attend trainings and educational seminars (whether local or out of town).
- Ability to lead volunteers in daily assignments.
- Ability to express and implement rules in regards to volunteers and community service workers.
- Ability to assist the Hope Clinic as needed with animal evaluations, medications, procedures, and euthanasia.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE
Position must have the ability to differentiate between animal breeds and identify characteristics of each breed.
SKILLS
Must demonstrate the following skills:
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Team-building skills
- Analytical and problem solving skills
- Decision making skills
- Effective verbal and listening communication skills
- Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
- Very effective organizational skills
- Stress Management Skills
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Must demonstrate the following personal attributes:
- Possess strong work ethic
- Be honest and trustworthy
- Be respectful
- Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Be flexible
- Willingness to obtain additional education/training as necessary
- Believe in our mission and have passion for animal welfare
- Possess empathy toward all types of animals
- Possess strong time management skills
Working Conditions
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Position is physically demanding at times. Incumbent must be able to lift, move, or carry animals or objects weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, or up to 120 pounds with assistance from other staff members.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Dogs are walked several times throughout the day regardless of the weather conditions. Position will be exposed to all types of Michigan weather. Safe and comfortable, yet professional, shoes and clothing should be worn at all times.
SENSORY DEMANDS
Ability to withstand excessive barking at times. May come in contact with strong odors, including chemicals used for disinfecting.
MENTAL DEMANDS
Position may create emotional fatigue due to the number of abused and neglected animals entering and leaving the shelter. In the event an animal is physically suffering or is deemed a threat to society, the incumbent will be required to perform, witness, or participate in the humane euthanasia process.
Salary Information: $10.33/hour
Job Type: Part-Time