Careers

POSITION: K-9 Kennel Technician

REPORTS TO: Animal Care Manager

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt

SCOPE OF POSITION: Full-time 
Fri, Sat, Mon, Wed 8am-5pm  
Sunday 8am-4pm

BASIC FUNCTION: 
Performs all necessary work in maintaining the health and welfare of the shelter animals. Keeps exam rooms, kennels and related areas of the animal shelter in a clean and sanitary condition. Assists in maintaining a safe and sanitary facility for animals and people and provides humane handling and care for all shelter animals. Provides that all animal nutrition, housing and basic needs are met, as directed. Assists in the training of other technicians.

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 and spot check throughout the day ensuring animals receive proper food and water.
• Launders and replaces soiled bedding and litter.
• 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 “med” (medical) 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.
• Assists in surgery as needed.
• Preparing and moving animals into adoption.
• Assists with inventory (medical, cleaning supplies and animals).
• Restocks medical supplies and linens.
• Enter computer data including photos of pet(s).
• Involved in ongoing education in the field of animal care.
• 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.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.