Job Description
JOB OVERVIEW
As an Animal Caretaker, your primary responsibility will be to attend to the daily husbandry needs of the shelter animals in our care. This encompasses feeding, cleaning, administering prescribed medications, and providing appropriate exercise and enrichment. You will receive comprehensive training to perform these duties effectively. Working collaboratively with the Adoption Counselors, you will also assist with the crucial processes of animal intakes and outcomes. This includes administering necessary vaccinations and medications, accurately entering data into the shelter's software system, and carefully evaluating the overall condition of each animal. Additionally, you will support adoptions, manage physical donations, and contribute to the general maintenance and cleanliness of the facility. VISION:
To provide diligent and compassionate daily care that ensures the comfort, health, and well-being of every animal in our shelter, contributing to a positive and supportive environment as they await their forever homes. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Daily Animal Husbandry:
Perform daily cleaning of animal housing areas, provide appropriate feeding and fresh water, and administer medications as prescribed and directed. Laundry and Sanitation:
Process laundry for animal bedding, wash and disinfect pet dishes, and maintain the overall cleanliness and sanitation of animal housing and common areas. Animal Handling and Processing:
Utilize provided training in animal handling techniques to safely and effectively process incoming and outgoing animals, including holding animals for examinations, assisting with blood draws (with proper training), administering vaccinations, and providing prescribed medications. Shelter Cleanliness:
Assist with maintaining the general cleanliness and organization of the entire shelter facility. On-Call Availability:
Be available for scheduled on-call rotations to provide emergency response services, which may include transporting sick or injured stray domestic animals to a veterinarian after regular business hours. Team Collaboration:
Cooperate effectively with all team members to ensure the highest quality of service for the animals and the public. Foster a positive and detail-oriented team attitude. Customer Service:
Demonstrate proper customer service skills and maintain professional phone etiquette when interacting with the public. Intake and Outcome Assistance:
Work closely with Adoption Counselors to assist with the intake and outcome processes, including data entry into the shelter software system and evaluating the overall condition of animals. Adoption Support:
Assist with the adoption process as needed. Donation Management:
Assist with receiving and organizing physical donations for the shelter. QUALIFICATIONS
High School diploma or equivalent (must be 18 years of age or older). Current and valid Driver's License. Reliable transportation. Must have weekend availability. Ability to lift at least 50 pounds. Good communication and interpersonal skills necessary for effective customer service. General knowledge of canine and feline behavior is required. Familiarity with basic veterinary procedures such as disease management, vaccinations, and neutering is beneficial. Must possess the emotional resilience to navigate the challenges of working in an animal shelter environment, including exposure to euthanasia. Must successfully pass a background check and drug test. WORKING CONDITIONS
Work schedule will include weekdays and weekends as assigned, with potential for on-call responsibilities on a rotating basis. Primarily works indoors in an animal shelter environment with potential exposure to high noise levels, animal dander, odors, and cleaning chemicals. Regular and direct interaction with animals, including potential exposure to bites, scratches, and zoonotic diseases. Requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and carry items throughout the workday. May involve exposure to emotionally challenging situations inherent in animal welfare work. AT WILL EMPLOYMENT
Employment with Ashtabula County APL is at-will, meaning that employment is for no specified period and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause. Ashtabula County APL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any otherlegally protected basis. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications. NOTE:
This position description is not exhaustive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the evolving needs of the department and the organization. Pay:
$12.50 - $14.00 per hour Benefits:
Paid time off Work Location:
In person
