KENNEL ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP

PART-TIME TWO MONTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

designed to provide exposure and hands-on experience for individuals interested in future careers in veterinary services or animal care.

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, maintain the City Animal Shelter in a clean and orderly condition; provide care for sheltered animals; perform related clerical support duties.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Maintain the City Animal Shelter in a clean and orderly condition; sweep, scrub and mop floors; clean and disinfect kennels; pick up debris and empty waste receptacles; spot mop spills. Provide care for sheltered animals; monitor animals to assure health and safety; set out food and clean up after animals; perform regular inventory of sheltered animals; clean animals as necessary; assure adequate stock of food and supplies; notify appropriate personnel of sick animals. Perform a variety of clerical duties in support of the Animal Shelter; process a variety of forms and applications, issue animal licenses, assist with animal adoptions and duplicate materials as needed. Initiate, answer and log telephone calls; respond to complaints of disruptive animals and contact members of the community concerning animal complaints and related issues; arrange for Officer dispatch as appropriate. Assist with the euthanasia of unclaimed animals according to established procedures; maintain related records. Maintain assigned vehicles and equipment in a clean condition; wash interior and exterior of vehicles; arrange for vehicle repairs as needed. Maintain routine records and files related to incoming and outgoing animals, cleaning supplies and assigned activities. Operate a variety of standard cleaning equipment; operate standard office equipment including a computer. Communicate with City personnel, outside agencies and members of the community to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns.

OTHER DUTIES

Perform related duties as assigned.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE

AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Modern cleaning methods including basic methods of cleaning floors, vehicles and equipment. Basic methods of handling and caring for animals. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Oral and written communication skills. Health and safety regulations. Basic record-keeping techniques.

ABILITY TO

Maintain the City Animal Shelter in a clean and orderly condition. Provide care for sheltered animals. Perform clerical duties related to assigned activities. Learn basic methods of animal euthanasia. Learn to operate standard office equipment including a computer. Observe health and safety regulations. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Maintain records, logs and files. Report to work every scheduled workday.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year experience handling and caring for animals.

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT:

Animal shelter environment. Regular exposure to fumes, dust and odors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate assigned equipment. Walking or standing for extended periods of time. Seeing to perform cleaning duties and read a variety of materials. Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone. Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling moderately heavy objects as assigned by the position. Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching. Sitting for extended periods of time.

HAZARDS:

Exposure to cleaning agents and chemicals. Potential for bodily injury/disease exposure from contact with animals.