Position Summary:

The Kennel Technician is responsible for the daily care, feeding, and cleaning of animals housed at the Walton County Animal Shelter. This position ensures that animals receive compassionate and professional care while maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary environment in accordance with shelter standards and animal welfare guidelines. The Kennel Technician assists in evaluating animals for adoption, socializing them, and supporting medical and behavioral needs under the direction of shelter management and veterinary staff. This role requires the ability to work with inmates assigned to the shelter, handle animals safely and humanely, and perform duties that require physical strength, stamina, and attention to detail. Work includes weekends and holidays as scheduled.

Qualifications:

Level I :

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent Experience
• One (1) year experience in a related field
• Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required competencies to perform the job.

Valid Driver License Certifications:

Must be able to work with inmates and receive Inmate Work Program Training within six (6) months of hire Ability to obtain Florida Euthanasia Certification within six (6) months of hire Preferred

• Experience handling animals

Level II :

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent Experience
• Two (2) years' experience in a related field
• Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required competencies to perform the job.

Valid Driver License Certifications:

Must possess an Animal Control Officer Certification and Florida Euthanasia Certification Must be able to work with inmates and receive Inmate Work Program Training within six (6) months of hire Ability to obtain Florida Euthanasia Certification within six (6) months of hire Preferred

• Experience handling animals

Essential Job Functions:

This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, skills, and physical abilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as deemed necessary. Provide compassionate, humane care to all animals housed at the shelter. Ensure the Animal Shelter opens and operates according to established schedules. Clean kennels, cages, and surrounding work areas using approved sanitation and disease control procedures. Feed, water, and monitor animals daily for signs of illness, distress, or behavioral changes. Assist with administering medications or restraining animals under the direction of Veterinary Technicians or shelter management. Administer medications independently when a Veterinary Technician is unavailable. Collect and label urine and fecal specimens for diagnostic purposes. Receive animals from the public, ensuring proper intake documentation and identification. Release animals to owners, adopters, or approved rescue organizations following policy and verification procedures. Maintain accurate records of animal intakes, adoptions, transfers, and daily counts. Assist with or perform humane euthanasia when deemed necessary for medical or space-related reasons. Teach and supervise inmate trustees assigned to the shelter, providing instruction in kennel operations and animal care. Follow all OSHA safety standards and maintain knowledge of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Maintain kennel laundry and inventory of cleaning and care supplies. Report any facility, equipment, or animal health concerns promptly to the supervisor. Provide positive, professional customer service to the public and fellow staff members. Transport inmate trustees to and from the jail as needed. Participate in staff training, safety meetings, and other job-related events. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

Knowledge of animal care, feeding, cleaning, and handling procedures. Basic understanding of animal behavior, signs of illness, and safe restraint methods. Skill in the use of basic computer applications (Microsoft Office, email, and shelter management software). Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Proper telephone etiquette and customer service skills. Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately and efficiently. Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment with staff, volunteers, and inmates.

Key Competencies:

Compassion and Empathy:

Demonstrates genuine concern for the well-being of animals.

Responsibility:

Maintains a clean, safe, and organized environment for animals and staff.

Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and inmates.

Adaptability:

Adjusts to changing workloads, animal conditions, and scheduling needs.

Observation:

Detects early signs of illness, injury, or stress in animals.

Professionalism:

Maintains a positive attitude when interacting with the public and coworkers.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds independently. Requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and reaching throughout the workday. Must have visual acuity sufficient to read records and observe animal behavior. Must be able to speak and hear clearly to communicate with the public and coworkers. Fine motor skills sufficient for operating office equipment and handling animals safely. Must be able to work long or irregular hours, including weekends and holidays. Dependable attendance is required. Exposure to animal waste, bodily fluids, dander, and hair. Exposure to cleaning agents, disinfectants, and other caustic chemicals. Potential exposure to animal bites, scratches, and zoonotic diseases. Work performed in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, noise, and odors. The Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.