Animal Health & Welfare Specialist

Animal Health & Welfare Specialist Apet inc. - 3.4 East Dundee, IL Job Details Full-time $19 - $21 an hour 13 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Qualifications Computer operation Analysis skills Continuous improvement Attention to detail Analytical thinking Full Job Description Job Overview The Animal Health & Welfare Specialist is responsible for the daily inspection, observation, and assessment of all animals and birds within the facility to ensure overall health, welfare, and compliance with company standards. This position plays a critical role in the early detection of illness, injury, stress, abnormal behavior, and environmental concerns to improve animal outcomes, reduce animal mortality, and support operational efficiency. The position assists with routine treatments, supportive care, and monitoring of animals under medical observation while maintaining accurate records and communicating concerns to management and veterinary personnel. The Animal Health & Welfare Specialist helps uphold high standards of animal care, biosecurity, sanitation, and humane handling practices throughout the facility. Responsibilities Conduct daily inspections of all animals and birds within the facility. Observe and assess physical appearance, activity level, posture, respiration, appetite, hydration, feather/fur/skin condition, and overall behavior. Identify signs of disease, injury, stress, parasites, malnutrition, or abnormal behavior. Monitor environmental conditions including temperature, humidity, ventilation, cleanliness, lighting, enclosure condition, and stocking density. Assist with administering basic animal treatments, medications, or supportive care as directed by management or veterinary personnel. Monitor treatment responses and communicate changes in condition promptly. Assist with the handling, restraint, isolation, and monitoring of animals receiving treatment or under observation. Report health concerns, mortalities, injuries, or environmental deficiencies immediately to management and/or veterinary staff. Document observations, treatment recommendations, mortality data, and welfare concerns accurately and consistently. Assist in implementing quarantine, isolation, and biosecurity procedures when necessary. Follow all facility biosecurity, sanitation, and disease prevention protocols. Monitor feeding and watering systems to ensure proper function and animal access. Ensure humane handling and welfare standards are maintained at all times. Work closely with operations, husbandry, shipping, and receiving teams to improve animal outcomes and reduce animal mortality. Assist with compliance related to USDA, state, local, and company animal welfare standards as applicable. Participate in continuous improvement efforts related to animal health, sanitation, and operational efficiency. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Experience working with live animals and/or birds in a commercial, agricultural, zoological, veterinary, breeding, or distribution environment preferred. Strong observational and analytical skills with attention to detail. Ability to recognize signs of illness, stress, injury, and abnormal behavior in animals and birds. Knowledge of animal welfare, husbandry, sanitation, and biosecurity practices preferred. Experience assisting with animal treatments, medication administration, or basic veterinary support preferred. Ability to maintain accurate records and communicate findings effectively. Comfortable working in environments with noise, odors, dust, feathers, and varying temperatures. Ability to work independently and consistently follow inspection protocols. Basic computer and recordkeeping skills. Reliable attendance and ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends or holidays if required.

Pay:

$19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person