Animal Shelter Assistant

JOB The Animal Safety Assistant performs a variety of administrative, customer service, and operational support duties related to the daily functions of the Animal Receiving and Lost & Found programs within the County's animal safety and protection services. This position serves as a primary point of contact for residents seeking animal-related assistance, supports shelter intake and redemption processes, maintains accurate records, and contributes to the safe and humane care and handling of animals. The role helps ensure compliance with applicable Florida statutes, local ordinances, and departmental procedures related to animal safety and welfare.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Animal Intake, Lost & Found, and Customer SupportReceive surrendered, impounded, and stray animals and gather required intake information accurately and efficiently. Manage and monitor lost and found animal reports, matching reports with incoming animals when possible. Assist pet owners with animal redemption, licensing, and related documentation, including receipt processing. Research microchips, identification tags, and other available records to locate and contact animal owners. Provide pet retention counseling and alternative resources to individuals considering surrender of their pets. Respond to public inquiries in person and by phone regarding animal services programs, procedures, and ordinances. Handle difficult or emotionally charged customer interactions with professionalism, empathy, and tact.

Animal Adoption Program SupportAssist with screening potential adopters, providing accurate information about animal behavior, history, and care requirements.

Facilitate meet-and-greets between animals and prospective adopters to ensure safe and positive interactions.

Guide applicants through the adoption process, including completing required documentation and providing post-adoption resources.

Support adoption events, promotions, and outreach activities to increase community engagement and adoption success.

Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (TNVR) Program Facilitation and TransportAssist community members and colony caregivers with TNVR program information, policies, and procedures.

Coordinate the intake, scheduling, and transport of community cats for spay/neuter, vaccination, and return.

Ensure humane handling and safe transportation of feral and free-roaming cats in accordance with established protocols.

Maintain accurate records of TNVR activities, including locations, caregiver information, and animal outcomes.

Collaboration with Animal Rescue and Welfare OrganizationsCommunicate and coordinate with approved rescue partners to facilitate the transfer of animals needing specialized care, behavior support, or extended placement opportunities.

Assist with preparing animals for rescue transfer, including documentation, health records, and logistical arrangements.

Support partnership development by providing timely information, responding to rescue inquiries, and maintaining positive working relationships.

Participate in collaborative efforts and community initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare and increasing lifesaving opportunities.

Administrative and Recordkeeping FunctionsEnter, maintain, and update shelter records and reports accurately using designated software systems and databases. Complete animal control and shelter-related forms, correspondence, certified letters, and other required documentation. Perform filing, data entry, and general administrative support functions in a timely and organized manner. Assist with opening and closing procedures for the Animal Receiving area. Maintain confidentiality and accuracy of departmental records in accordance with County policies and applicable regulations.

Animal Handling and Shelter SupportEnsure safe and humane handling of animals in accordance with established safety protocols and animal welfare standards. Recognize common animal breeds, behaviors, and signs of illness, injury, or distress and report concerns appropriately. Assist with basic animal care and kennel or cage cleaning duties as needed. Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and animal handling equipment safely and effectively. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the reception lobby, adjoining workspaces, and supply areas.

Compliance, Safety, and Emergency ResponseSupport enforcement of Florida statutes, County ordinances, and departmental procedures related to animal safety and protection. Adhere to County safety protocols to minimize risks associated with animal handling and exposure to zoonotic diseases. Serve as an essential employee during emergency and disaster operations, including staffing pet-friendly shelters and/or public information lines as assigned. Work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime, as operational needs require.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires the ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the workday, including frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and performing repetitive motions involving the hands, arms, and legs. The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move light to heavy loads, including animal carriers, supplies, and equipment, and to safely restrain and handle domesticated animals of varying sizes and temperaments using appropriate equipment and techniques. Good vision and hearing, with or without corrective devices, are required to safely perform essential duties. Employees must be able to work in close proximity to animals; allergic conditions that may be aggravated by exposure to animals may affect the ability to perform essential job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS

Work is performed primarily indoors in an office and animal shelter environment, with frequent exposure to animals, animal waste, cleaning agents, and related odors. The position involves potential exposure to frightened, injured, or aggressive animals, creating risks such as bites, scratches, and other physical injury. Employees may also be exposed to zoonotic diseases and other biological hazards associated with animal care and shelter operations.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

(PPE): Employees are required to adhere to all safety protocols and utilize appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to ensure a safe working environment.

Specific requirements include:

• Mandatory PPE:

  Employees must wear designated PPE, which may include gloves, eye protection, and animal handling tools such as catch poles, nets, microchip scanners, and animal traps, depending on the tasks performed.

• Safety Training:

  All employees will receive training on the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and PPE to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

• Inspection and Maintenance:

  Employees are responsible for regularly inspecting their PPE for wear and tear, and reporting any damaged equipment to their supervisor for replacement.

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Emergency Equipment:

Familiarity with the location and use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations, is required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

ADA STATEMENT

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO STATEMENT

St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Pay Grade G05Driving Position - Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 2 background screening which includes fingerprinting.