Animal Care Specialist

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Job Description

Job Title: Animal Care Specialist
Job Classification: PT hourly, non-exempt
Job Relationships: Reports to Animal Care Supervisor
Job Summary: Work within a team setting to ensure the health and well-being of animals being sheltered at MAC. Responsible for daily cleaning, feeding and socialization of animals according to specified protocols, and for maintaining a safe and sanitary facility for animals and people.

Salary: $16.00/hr

Job duties:

• Ensure each shelter animal receives appropriate food and water each day, as instructed and trained.
• Clean and/or sanitize animal cages, kennels, holding areas, rooms, hallways and other shelter spaces each day, as instructed and trained.
• Perform laundry, dish washing, and other general care and cleaning duties as assigned.
• Perform animal bathing, grooming, exercising and socialization as assigned.
• Observe, monitor and document the health and behavior of animals as assigned.
• Ensure that every interaction with animals, including caretaking, moving, handling, etc. is done according to fear-free humane techniques as instructed and trained.
• Ensure the most humane living environment for each animal possible.
• Provide daily enrichment activities for animals as assigned.
• Properly vaccinate/medicate animals as instructed and trained.
• Obtain euthanasia certification and perform humane euthanasia as necessary according to best practices and applicable laws and regulations.
• Participate in behavioral assessment and modification activities as assigned.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, appropriately stocked work environment.
• Follow all employee health and safety protocols.
• Ensure that all interactions with the public are positive and professional.
• Actively support and cultivate a positive, humane, professional work environment for fellow staff and volunteers.
• Assist with lost pet owner reunifications.
• Respond to general public inquiries (via phone, email or in person) as instructed and trained.
• Assist with rescue group transfers and transports as assigned.
• Support supervisory staff in training new employees and volunteers as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:
Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior animal caretaking experience preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to care for all types of animals, including domestic, livestock and wildlife.
• Ability to adhere to all MAC protocols regarding care and feeding of animals, staff safety, etc.
• Ability to make sound judgments and to work independently or in a team setting while being faced with a fast-paced environment and demonstrate ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public, verbally and in writing.
• Desire to support the mission of the McKamey Animal Center and be a positive representative of MAC.
• Ability to humanely handle animals of all types, and willingness to follow all MAC protocols regarding humane animal handling.
• Ability to use relevant computer programs and systems to document and research animal information.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to cover any and all assigned work shifts, and to managing changing work schedules.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing organizational needs and instructions.
• Excellent customer-service oriented attitude and demeanor.
• Volunteers are at the heart of our mission; every team member will interact with volunteers at some level. All staff are expected to work cooperatively with volunteers and treat them with dignity and respect; they donate their time and energy to our cause.

Other:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Valid Tennessee Driver’s License and insurable driving record required;
• Random or required drug testing may be required.

Work Environment:

• Exposure to high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, and animal bites/scratches when handling animals;
• Exposure to cleaning agents;
• Exposure to all weather conditions when outdoors;
• Bending, reaching, and walking up to 8 hours a day.

Physical Activities:

• Regular lifting of up to 50 lbs., with occasional lifting of up to 100 pounds with assistance
• Potential for standing/walking up to ten hours a day
• Various cleaning activities, including scrubbing kennels and cages;
• Various animal handling tasks, including performing physical examinations and humane restraint
• Handling of medications and medical tools, including syringes and needles.

Pre-employment Requirements: The McKamey Animal Center conducts criminal background checks and requires drug testing of all employment candidates.

McKamey Animal Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the position.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 per hour

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person