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Job Description
Reporting to the Animal Welfare & Field Services Manager, the Animal Care Technician is responsible for performing preventative animal health care duties, assisting the Animal Welfare & Field Services Manager with a variety of shelter care duties, and providing oversight to shelter volunteers. Presents a positive, enthusiastic, and professional image when representing Joint Animal Services internally and externally. Models and promotes a diverse and inclusive staff culture that is friendly and outgoing, collaborative, and free of judgment.
Please note:
The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time. First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for July 10, 2026. Second round interview are tentatively scheduled for July 15, 2026. •This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.• These duties include but are not limited to the following: Feeds and waters animals in accordance with prescribed diets and instructions for the species. Prepare animal quarters in accordance with specified procedures. Cleans and/or sterilizes cages, runs, and surrounding premises including walls, floors, and food preparation areas. Performs preventive animal health care duties such as, but not limited to, grooming, bathing, nail trimming, and inoculations treatment for internal and external parasites. Prepares animals for adoption by performing duties such as, but not limited to, writing/creating animal profiles, implementation of microchip, and updating vaccinations or other medical items. Works with the Animal Care Manager to implement industry best practice programs that keep Animal Services as a leader within the animal welfare community, such as Standards of Care, Capacity for Care, Fear Free for Shelters, etc. Transfers animals from soiled to clean enclosures making sure to maintain individual animal identity. Operates commercial washer and dryer; sorts and distributes laundry, animal bedding, collars, etc. Observes animals for abnormalities and reports early manifestations of disease to the Animal Services Operations Manager. Maintains records related to feeding, care, animal identification, and ongoing medical treatments as needed. Maintains and rotates food supplies and tracks usage of supplies and report shortages to the Animal Services Operations Manager. Evaluates, sorts, and distributes any donated animal goods. Evaluates and communicates animal health and behavior issues to the public and to supervisory staff. Euthanizes or assists in euthanizing animals according to established procedures, including documentation required by the Drug Enforcement Administration and all record entries. Performs basic laboratory diagnostic tests such as feline leukemia, feline aids, and parvo virus, and records the results. Administers medications orally and/or topically. Oversees volunteers. Assist with transporting of animals to veterinary clinics, rescues, and other shelters. Provides support to fosters within our foster program, and provide behavior enrichment to animals in the care of the shelter. May run a variety of commercial equipment and perform basic kennel repair. Coordinate or assist with our rescue partner program. Other duties as assigned Cross trains in front desk duties including but not limited to adoption, dispatching, processing reclaims, trap loans, answering phones, and interfacing with the public. Performs shelter, office, and outdoor clean-up when necessary (for example: general cleaning, pressure washing, lawn mowing, supply organization, etc.). Provides back-up to shelter staff as necessary.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
H.S. Diploma or
G.E.D. AND
one (1) year of experience performing animal care related activities in a veterinary or shelter setting. OR College level course work in business administration, communications, biology, animal science or related field, may be substituted for the year of required experience so long as the candidate was able to perform the essential functions of the position.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE
(S) Must pass a thorough background investigation and successfully complete reference checks. Must be certified in euthanasia procedures and in legend drugs or have the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year from date of hire. Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures and techniques. Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Must possess a valid WA state driver's license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City's insurance carrier.
Knowledge of:
Animal behavior, health and care. Animal environment management and procedures. The use of software programs (word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, etc.) General office procedures.
Skill in:
Operation and use of computers.
Ability to:
Demonstrate professionalism. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, co-workers, volunteers, and the general public. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers. Handle impounded animals safely and humanely. Participate in the euthanasia of animals. Complete tasks in a timely manner. Physically perform manual labor. Perform light maintenance and repair work. Operate a variety of commercial equipment. Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
