Animal Care Specialist

Lake Oconee Humane Society

Job Description

Job Title: Animal Care Specialist
Department: Operations
Reports To: Animal Care Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt $15/hr starting

The Animal Care Specialist provides humane care for sheltered animals by feeding and caring for animals, cleaning, and maintaining kennel facilities and providing information regarding animal care and department services. Provides quality animal care and customer service in accordance with LOHS mission, goals, and philosophy. The ideal candidate will be passionate about animal welfare, have strong communication skills, and a creative mind. Must be able to work in a dynamic, high- energy, team-oriented environment. Must be culturally competent with the ability to have good judgement and tact and enjoy working with a diverse variety of individuals and groups.

Duties & Responsibilities:
• Provides kennel animals with adequate food and water daily and in a timely manner.
• Observes animals to ensure proper feeding and reports any signs of illness or behavioral problems to supervisor on duty.
• Checks animal feed and medication sheets throughout the day to ensure animals are fed and medicated properly or seen by the veterinarian as necessary in assigned sections.
• Provides constant humane care and handling of the animals in kennel areas.
• Cleans and sanitizes animal kennels for disease control.
• Conducts routine “spot” checks and cleaning throughout the day.
• Maintain a humane and caring attitude towards the animals at all times.
• Reports any damaged equipment or need for repair to supervisor on duty.
• Assists in stocking food and all supplies as needed.
• Assists in stocking cleaning supplies as needed.
• Ensures quality customer service to patrons who visit or call the shelter.
• Works closely with staff and volunteers to accomplish departmental and LOHS goals.
• Fosters teamwork and provides assistance to department staff and volunteers.
• Perform animal bathing, grooming, and nail trims as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Basic computer knowledge in a Windows environment
• Experience as an Animal Care Specialist or related position in an animal shelter or animal care environment preferred.
• Knowledge of animal diseases, medications and treatment protocols preferred.

Physical Requirements:
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and stoop frequently.
• Must be able to perform prolonged strenuous physical activity including lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds with reasonable accommodations.
• Must be able to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must be able to work in a high noise level area.
• Requires humane handling of animals and the safe handling of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and equipment in compliance with safety rules and in accordance with SDS rules.
• Flexible schedule to include nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

LOHS is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

This is a full time job