Careers

POSITION: Dog Kennel Attendant

REPORTS TO: Animal Care Manager

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt

SCOPE OF POSITION: Full Time. Mon, Tues, Wed, Thursday 8am-5pm & Sun 8am-4pm

STARTING SALARY: $10/hour with full benefits

JOB SUMMARY: 
The Dog Kennel Attendant at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is an important part of the Animal Care Team. The primary job function of the Dog Kennel Attendant is to maintain the health and welfare of the shelter animals. To achieve this, cleaning and sanitizing exam rooms, kennels, and other animal-related areas of the shelter are included as the essential responsibilities of this position. The Dog Kennel Attendant also ensures that the basic needs of our shelter pets are met, while providing humane handling and care to the animals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Keeps exam rooms, overnight cages and medical equipment clean on a daily basis.
• Assists in thorough cleaning of all kennels and cages, including laundry, and spot check throughout the day ensuring animals receive proper food and water.
• Assists in maintaining break room, sally port, grooming room, laundry room and staff restrooms.
• Assists with transfer animals from other agencies.
• Assists in receiving and admitting animals from “overnight” cages and Animal Control.
• Performs physical examinations to incoming animals.
• Administers necessary vaccines and medications.
• Assists in maintaining medical (“med”) sheets and Log sheets.
• Observes animals for sickness, infestation, injuries and behavior changes.
• Bathes and grooms animals (including medicated baths and dips, clip nails and clean ears)
• Assists with temperament testing and euthanasia of shelter animals.
• Prepares and moves animals into adoption.
• Assists in surgery, as needed.
• Assists with inventory, including: medical, cleaning supplies and animals.
• Restocks medical supplies and linens.
• Enters computer data including photos of pets.
• Participates in staff meetings, in house service trainings and attends educational meetings as requested (at expense of HSTC).
• Performs other duties assigned or as the situation dictates.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of safe work habits and routine sanitation methods.
• Skilled in animal restraint and handling techniques as well as humane grooming.
• Knowledge of basic custodial and remedial care of dogs and cats.
• Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions and communicate effectively both in oral or written format.
• Ability to identify common animal breeds along with a basic understanding of breed characteristics and behaviors.
• Ability to use a computer to access and input data, maintain records and generate materials.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• The functions of this job require standing and sitting for extended periods of time.  
• Substantial lifting is necessary at times.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, and lift overhead on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to control any personal allergic reactions to animals.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Exposure to high noise levels, odors, animal bites and scratches, diseases transferable between animals and humans, cleaning agents, insect/parasite controlling chemicals, slippery floors, dust, animal dander and excreta, injured animals, euthanasia, and staff and customer emotional extremes.
• Works in both indoor and outdoor exposures.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE: 

• High school diploma or equivalent desired, but not necessary.
• Experience in animal care a plus.
• Must have a euthanasia certificate or be able to obtain it upon management’s request.
• Clean driving record a plus.

NOTE:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees and is not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, Inc. retains the right to change this job description at any time.

TO APPLY: Please visit our main shelter at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. Palm City, FL. 34990 to fill out an application. Send resumes to skornegay@hstc1.org with the subject line “HSTC Career Opportunity”.

POSITION: Veterinary Surgical Technician

REPORTS TO:  Clinic Manager/Shelter Veterinarian

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt, part-time that may develop into full time

SCOPE OF POSITION:  Responsible for assisting and supporting the shelter veterinarian in examining, handling, and treating patients. Responsible for effectively communicating with the general public and those directly related to HSTC to ensure proper health care to animals under the protection of the shelter. Responsible for clinic cleaning, assisting in surgery, entering medical records, and post-operative recovery. This is a part time position.

SALARY: Sliding scale hourly based on experience

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily Animal Care

• Assist veterinarian in examining, handling, and treating patients.
• Administer first aid treatments and medications to sick and injured animals as directed by the veterinarian as well as providing water and proper diet for all animals in veterinary care.
• Prepare patients for surgery, assist in surgery, administer anesthesia and postoperative care, perform dental cleanings, and assist with euthanasia when required and directed by the Veterinarian or Animal Care Manager.
• Assist in admission procedures of animals including vaccinations and general health assessments and notify veterinarian of those animals in need of medical attention.
• Perform venipuncture and diagnostic laboratory tests.
• Handle all animals humanely, properly and with compassion.
• Clean cages and care for all animals housed in Medical Clinic.
• Monitor status of all ICU patients and communicate changes in status to the shelter veterinarian.

Communications with Staff, Volunteers and Public

• Admit and discharge animals to the shelter in a courteous, and tactful manner and to inform the client of any pertinent medical information on the animal’s care.
• Field general inquiries and serve as an education resource for the staff, volunteers, and public in a calm, courteous manner.
• Foster an open and friendly atmosphere between Animal Medical Services and the staff, volunteers and public.
• Actively assist in improving volunteer retention and job satisfaction in the animal care department as well as the shelter as a whole.
• Work as a team both within the animal care department and within the shelter as a whole.

Maintenance of Veterinary Treatment Records

• Maintain patient records by accurately recording treatments and other test results in Petpoint and other medical records.
• Maintain accurate surgical records by completing any related paperwork and computer data entry.

Building Maintenance

• Maintain a healthy, safe, sanitary, pleasant, and clean environment for the animals in the veterinary treatment facilities at all times.
• Daily cleaning, organization, and restocking in the Medical Clinic.
• Maintenance or supervision of maintenance of all medical and surgical equipment.
• Follow established procedures governing safe work practices.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Willingness to learn how to caring for and appropriate handling of animals in a safe, effective and humane manner.
• Ability to accommodate various work assignments and schedules to meet the needs of the animals at the shelter. Ability to provide leadership, education, supervision, and direction to volunteers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of staff, volunteers, and public.
• Professional appearance including wearing the designated uniform and maintaining a neat and clean appearance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school or equivalent (Required)
• CVT or CVA preferred but willing to train if willing to learn
• Knowledge of the following and experience in these areas would be a plus but is not a required qualification:
  • Knowledge of current shelter maintenance techniques and accepted sanitary practices.
  • Knowledge and familiarity with clinical signs of illness in cats, dogs, and exotic animals.
  • Knowledge of preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic veterinary treatment of domestic and exotic animals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for long periods of time

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Busy, high paced environment
• Must be available to work weekends

NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees and is not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, Inc. retains the right to change this job description at any time.

TO APPLY: Please visit our main shelter at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. Palm City, FL. 34990 to fill out an application. Send resumes to pdiskant@hstc1.org with the subject line “HSTC Career Opportunity”.